President Vladimir Putin has already described the urgent need for Russia to secure its "strategic, economic, scientific and defence interests" in the Arctic. Moscow argued before a UN commission in 2001 that waters off its northern coast were in fact an extension of its maritime territory. The claim was based on the argument that an underwater feature, known as the Lomonosov Ridge, was an extension of its continental territory, but it was rejected and Russia told to resubmit with more evidence. Several countries with territories bordering the Arctic - including Russia, the US, Canada and Denmark - have launched competing claims to the region. The competition has intensified as melting polar ice caps have opened up the possibility of new shipping routes in the region. Current laws grant countries an economic zone of 200 nautical miles beyond their land borders. This zone can be extended where a country can prove that the structure of the continental shelf is similar to the geological structure within its territory. The North Pole is not currently regarded as part of any single country's territory and is therefore administered by the International Seabed Authority.
RUSSIA'S ARCTIC CLAIM 1) North Pole: Russia plans to leave its flag on the seabed, 4km beneath the surface, as part of its claims for oil and gas reserves 2) Lomonosov Ridge: Russia argues that this underwater feature is an extension of its continental territory and is looking for evidence 3) 200-mile line: Shows how far countries' agreed economic area extends beyond their coastline. Often set from outlying islands 4) Russian claimed territory: The bid to claim a vast area is being closely watched by other countries. Some could follow suit