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In the former Soviet Union, a military base holds history with abandoned houses, ships and planes from the Cold War period
Amidst the remote and desolate landscapes of the Áarctic, remnants of an era marked by global tension still resist the test of time. An abandoned military base of the former Soviet Union, where old planes, ships and even residential buildings were left behind, it holds silent stories and witnesses the height of the Cold War.
These sites, now taken over by nature and the ravages of time, offer a fascinating glimpse into a time when the world was on the brink of superpower confrontation.
O Arctic Ocean is a vastness of 14 million square kilometers, a mixture of water and ice that extends along the Arctic Circle. To get an idea of its immensity, this area is more than three times the size of the European Union.
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Its waters bathe 72.420 km of coastline in countries such as Russia, Finland, Norway, Greenland, Iceland, Canada and the United States, all facing the challenges and mysteries of the Arctic.
History and military strategy of the Soviet Union in the Cold War
One of the most remarkable and isolated locations in the Arctic is Tiksi, a port city in Russia, established in 1933 under Stalin's rule as part of an ambitious project: the Northern Sea Route.
This route was intended to connect Europe and Asia strategically, avoiding the action of German submarines during World War II. During the Cold War, Tiksi became even more important with the installation of air bases and served as a strategic point for the Soviet Air Force.
At the height of its occupation in 1989, Tiksi had over 11.000 inhabitants. But from the 90s onwards, after the closure of military bases, the city experienced a massive exodus with the end of the Soviet Union and the Cold War.
Today, much of Tiksi is in disrepair, with dilapidated buildings and a declining population. The harsh climate and geographical isolation make life in Tiksi quite challenging.
Despite this, the city is still home to some scientific and military facilities that monitor the Arctic, and efforts are underway to preserve what remains of its infrastructure. Tiksi is an example of the challenges that remote communities face in inhospitable regions, especially after significant economic and political changes.
Abandonment and extreme cold: the current reality of Tiksi
Recently, the Ninurta channel published a video showing scenes from Tiksi – abandoned boats, planes and houses – revealing the scenario of a “frozen desert” where time seems to have stopped.
The images show the desolate cold that took over old transport and everyday objects, such as the Douglas DC-3 (or its Soviet version, Lisunov Li-2) abandoned, frozen in the Arctic ice, and the Antonov An-12, a military transport without engines, with paintwork that recalls its history in the skies of Russia.
It’s striking to see how harsh weather shapes life in places like Tiksi. In an abandoned apartment, a frozen crib and highchair serve as a grim reminder of a once-lively everyday life.
In cities like these, any discovery, such as a window left open in winter, can result in serious consequences.
Tiksi is a fascinating example of human resilience and the challenges faced in the Arctic. Its ruins and frozen landscape convey a sense of mystery, but also of respect for the past, the stories and the people who have faced and continue to face the hardships of this extreme environment.
The difficulties of extreme cold
Maintaining military bases in remote locations like Tiksi involves enormous logistical and economic challenges. In regions with winters harsh conditions and temperatures that can drop below -40°C, transporting supplies and equipment becomes a complex and expensive task.
Roads are often impassable for much of the year, forcing people to rely on planes or boats that face adverse conditions. This geographic isolation makes it difficult to access essential materials, such as fuel and food, requiring sophisticated logistical planning and long-term stocks to ensure the security and continued operation of the base.
In addition to transportation difficulties, extreme weather conditions themselves are an obstacle to maintaining infrastructure and operating equipment. Buildings and heating systems require constant maintenance to prevent damage from snow and ice.
The durability of materials is often compromised by freezing, and any structural issues are more difficult to repair in such isolated locations. In addition, service members deployed to these bases face intense physical and psychological challenges due to extreme cold, prolonged darkness during winter, and isolation, requiring specific mental and health support programs to maintain team morale and health.
Finally, the high cost of operation and maintenance in places like Tiksi may limit resources available for other military and government priorities.
While these posts are strategic, especially with growing interest in the Arctic, the challenging conditions require robust investment in climate-adapted technology and infrastructure, as well as significant incentives for military personnel to accept service in such inhospitable areas.
Thus, the military presence in places like Tiksi represents not only a question of sovereignty, but also a significant logistical and financial commitment for governments that choose to maintain these operational bases.
Luckily, the **** have always had a philosophy of revolution in their country, they have not invested in the globalization of this ill-fated form of government, because if that were the case there would be a great chance that the world would have several Venezuelas and Cubas around the world.