Atle Staalesen

Russia's natural gas is "stuck" in the Arctic. Now the petrochemical industry moves in

Chinese partners might take part in a major development of petrochemical plants in the Yamal Peninsula.
May 24, 2023

Chief draft officer in Karelia demands several hundred more fighters in war 'against Satan'

We are confronted by evil forces, leader of the mobilisation office in the north Russian region tells local town officials.
May 22, 2023

With picture of Christ on his chest, Governor Vladimir Uiba proudly hands over an armoured "bread loaf" to Komi troops fighting in Ukraine

The regional leader of the north Russian Komi Republic looked like a man of divine protection as he appeared on the frontline to deliver an armoured version of the UAZ Bukhanka (break loaf).
May 22, 2023

On remotest Arctic coast lie huge stacks of oil pipes ready for Russia's new monster project

War and sanctions notwithstanding, Russian state oilmen proceed with the development of the Vostok Oil project. It is to produce more than 100 million tons of oil per year and will be paramount for Putin to reach his much-desired ambitions for Arctic shipping.
May 19, 2023

Russia's new Navy icebreaker steers clear of Arctic waters

The powerful vessel that is built for naval escorts through remote and icy waters did not sail the Northern Sea Route on its maiden voyage from St.Petersburg to the Russian Far East.
May 16, 2023

Russian separatist flag waved on Svalbard

The Russian state company Trust Arktikugol organised a May 9th parade in the settlement of Pyramiden. It included a snowmobile, a car, bulldozer and excavator. And a flag of the so-called Donetsk People's Republic.
May 15, 2023

Mining comes to end in Nikel

More 80 years after Finns found huge nickel and copper reserves in the Kaula-Kotselvaara deposit, the last remaining mine in the Russian border town of Nikel is closed.
May 12, 2023

Lavrov: fate of Arctic Council is at stake

As Russia handed the rotating two-year presidency of the Council to Norway, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov underlined that the expulsion of his country had been made on "false grounds" and that the future of the Arctic club now is at risk.
May 12, 2023

Russian diplomats stir up emotions in Norwegian border town Kirkenes

On Moscow's 'victory day,' visiting Russians from the nearby Murmansk region tore down a Ukrainian anti-war poster and participated in a patriotic gathering organised by the local Russian General Consulate.
May 09, 2023

Russia stages military-style propaganda parade on Norway's Svalbard archipelago

More than 50 vehicles, a helicopter and snowmobiles driven by men in military-like uniforms on the 9th of May paraded down the main street of Barentsburg.
May 09, 2023

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Atle is journalist and Publisher of the Independent Barents Observer.

In 2002, he founded the Barents Observer. He was editor until 2009 and later worked as journalist and project coordinator for several European cross-border cooperation projects. In late 2015, following a conflict over editorial rights, he re-established the Barents Observer as an independent and non-profit stock company along with the rest of the newspaper crew.  

Atle has a degree in Russian studies from the University of Oslo and studied journalism at the Moscow State University.

atle@thebarentsobserver.com
@atlestaalesen