Russian submarines hit the Arctic bottom

A Russian mini submarine today touches the seabed at the northernmost point of the earth, to assert Moscow's sovereignty over this oil and gas-rich region.

The explorers on the Mir-I will perform experiments and install a Russian flag at 4,200 meters below the surface of the north pole. One official said this " historic and dangerous " mission could be compared to " flagging on the moon ".

Mir I is one of two submarines descending to the Arctic Ocean (Photo: BBC)

Russia claims sovereignty over a vast area of ​​the Arctic territory - which is thought to contain a lot of oil, gas and minerals. This is also the goal of many other great powers, including the United States.

The two submarines that carry out this mission will seek geological evidence to support Moscow's claim. The ship departs from the port of Murmansk in the north, being transported by large ships to the Arctic Sea.

In 2001, Russia declared to a UN committee that the seabed - which is an extension of Russia's territory - belongs to the sovereignty of the country. However, the committee rejected and demanded Russian evidence.

Countries with borders with the Arctic are Russia, America, Canada and Denmark, all claiming sovereignty over the area mentioned above. However, the Arctic is now considered not to be a territory / country and managed by the International Seabed.

T. Huyen