A draft law that will require foreign states to file a request for the passage of a military ship through the domestic waters of the Northern Sea Route has been submitted to the Russian State Duma. The relevant document was published on the Duma’s online database.

The request must be sent through diplomatic channels no later than 90 days before the expected date of passage.

In late July, President of Russia Vladimir Putin approved the new Naval Doctrine. It defines the Northern Sea Route and the Arctic as essential districts ensuring Russia’s national interests in the world ocean. They are directly related to the development of the state, protection of its sovereignty, territorial integrity and strengthening of defense, and critically affect the socioeconomic development of Russia. Loss of control over them could threaten national security and the very existence of Russia.

In addition, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin approved a plan for the development of the Northern Sea Route until 2035, with total funding amounting to almost 1.8 trillion rubles.