Aug 28, 2026: Interview with Peter Schweitzer on JETZT
An interview with InfraNorth principal investigator Peter Schweitzer has been featured in an article by journalist Nico Knappe for the Austrian media outlet JETZT, titled “All Eyes on Arktis: Wie Russland vom tauenden Eis profitiert” (“All Eyes on the Arctic: How Russia is benefiting from melting ice”).
Taking the experiences of an Austrian resident of Svalbard, Norway, as its starting point, the article explores how climate change is transforming the Arctic, driving increased resource extraction and shipping while intensifying geopolitical and military tensions. In its second part, the article turns in particular to Russia’s growing role in the region and the plans for the development of a Northern Sea Route as Arctic sea ice retreats.
Schweitzer contributes his expertise on Arctic transport infrastructure. He discusses the changing geopolitical landscape of the Arctic, Russia’s efforts to develop and promote the Northern Sea Route, including through shipping fees and icebreaker services, and the potential geopolitical leverage that greater use of the route could provide. He also highlights how Russia’s current advantage may be temporary: as the Arctic Ocean becomes increasingly ice-free, a transpolar route across the Arctic Ocean could eventually emerge as an alternative to routes along Russia’s northern coast.
The full article is available behind a paywall on JETZT (in German only).
