Vladimir Putin and the UK appear to be heading towards a major conflict over a huge oil field in British waters near the Falkland Islands.
Chile has made a move to bolster its territorial claims in Antarctica amid fears that Russia is poised to make an “oil grab”.
Kremlin scientists are believed to have discovered a gigantic oil field in the Antarctic close to the Falkland Islands.
An expert estimated the field contains half a trillion barrels, ten times the size of the North Sea’s 50-year output.
This oil is worth around £33 trillion at current market prices, making it attractive for Russia and other countries in the region.
However, the 1959 Antarctic Treaty currently prohibits countries from extracting natural minerals, including oil, from the seabed.
However, there are growing concerns that the Kremlin may be tempted to ignore this ban in an effort to challenge the rules-based order established by international treaties.
In response to the Russian threat, members of the Chilean National Assembly’s National Defense Committee flew to an abandoned air base in Antarctica for a meeting in what was described as an assertion of national sovereignty.
Camila Flores, a member of the commission, told reporters: “As an act of sovereignty, we will sit in Antarctica to uphold and support national integrity in the face of all threats.” ” he said. She said her own discussion was simply about “the current geopolitical situation.”
Alexander Karpinski conducted research in the Weddell Sea, where Chile’s territorial claims overlap with those of Britain and Argentina.
Chile’s National Defense Commission Chairman Francisco Undurraga criticized the “sly efforts” of countries to expand their influence in Antarctica.
“We will continue to stand for what we believe is fair,” he said.
The Antarctic Treaty was signed in Washington on December 1, 1959 by the 12 countries whose scientists were working in and around Antarctica during the International Geophysical Year (IGY) of 1957-1958. I did.
This treaty entered into force in 1961 and has since been joined by many other countries. The total number of States Parties to this Convention is currently 57.
Signatories to this treaty include Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway, and the United Kingdom, with seven countries claiming some overlapping territorial rights.
Other countries do not recognize claims. The United States and Russia maintain a “foundation of rights.”