Russia and Belarus intend to launch an Arctic exploration project, State Secretary of the Union State of Russia and Belarus Grigory Rapota said, as reported by the Union State official website.

Arktika-SG Foundation has already been established to carry out the project. According to Rapota, researchers from both countries, as well as young people will be invited to contribute to this effort. The Murmansk Arctic State University will serve as the project's chief platform. The project's main objectives include natural resources' development in northern regions, promoting technological integration and creating new lubricant oils for equipment operating in challenging weather conditions.

"I believe that this is an interesting sphere for young people. There are many challenges, so it could be interesting for them to engage in these projects. The Arctic climate is different from ours, and there are many interesting and promising aspects that have yet to be studied. We are currently discussing practical steps that can be undertaken as part of this project. We will see what comes out of this," Grigory Rapota pointed out.

According to the Union State website, Rapota has already discussed the project with the corresponding agencies and institutions. At this stage, the foundation will focus on aligning its activities with the national programs that are currently being implemented in Russia.

"The Foundation has been registered, and we have to understand how its work will be coordinated with the initiatives undertaken in Russia at the federal level in order to make sure that the project is consistent with the state policy and non-governmental initiatives," Rapota noted.