NATO is preparing steps that could restrict Russian civilian shipping in the Arctic and the Baltic region, Military Watch Magazine reports.

According to the publication, the alliance has been steadily expanding its footprint in the Arctic. Analysts cited by the magazine link the gradual advance of NATO infrastructure and military presence toward Russia’s borders to an effort to gain leverage over the Northern Sea Route. Running through Russia’s polar territories, this corridor offers an alternative to traditional global trade lanes, including oil exports that bypass waters controlled by Western powers.

The article argues that potential restrictions on maritime traffic fit into NATO’s broader strategy in the region. The focus, it suggests, is not limited to energy supplies. Civilian exports more broadly could also fall within the scope of such measures.

Russia’s ambassador to Norway, Nikolai Korchunov, has previously stated that alliance members are discussing scenarios ranging from a partial to a full naval blockade of Russia. He indicated that the Baltic-Arctic direction is effectively being shifted into a state of heightened military readiness. In comments to RIA Novosti, the diplomat noted that NATO countries, including Norway, are reinforcing their presence through operations known as Baltic Sentry, Eastern Sentry and Arctic Sentry.