Ukrainian polar vessel could temporarily occupy a port in Chile
This article was translated automatically and may contain differences from the original. For reference, read the original.
Regarding the recent arrival of the vessel “Noosfera” in Punta Arenas, the director of the National Antarctic Scientific Center of Ukraine, Evgen Dykyi, detailed to AthenaLab from Kiev the impact of Russian aggression on his country’s ambitious polar plans.
Dykyi stated that the “Noosfera” is expected to sail to King George Island in the Antarctic Peninsula, where Ukraine has the Vernadsky base. There, it will leave supplies and fuel while picking up the 12 scientists who have been there for over a year.
However, the vessel will not be able to conduct oceanographic research due to the situation and is seeking a temporary port while the conflict develops, as the Russian fleet blocks access to the Ukrainian coast in the Black Sea.
According to Dr. Dykyi, the ship will remain in the Southern Hemisphere. In fact, the “Noosfera” was transferred to Ukraine by the United Kingdom and, when sailing under the name “James Clark Ross,” it used to call at Port Stanley.
The director of the National Antarctic Scientific Center of Ukraine, who is currently actively participating in the defense of Kiev, expressed gratitude for the Chilean government’s condemnation of Russian aggression, the support given to his country’s Antarctic program (http://uac.gov.ua/en/), and mentioned being in contact with the authorities.
In Antarctica, multiple countries are present through permanent and temporary bases. Russia, like Chile, is one of the signatory countries of the Antarctic Treaty, which establishes the peaceful nature of activities in the area.
Although the Antarctic Treaty was effective in keeping the continent out of the Cold War, the current wave of condemnations and sanctions against Russia could present a new scenario given the diplomatic isolation Moscow is facing.
SEE THE INTERVIEW CONDUCTED BY THE DIRECTOR OF ATHENALAB, WITH EVGEN DYKYI, DIRECTOR OF THE NATIONAL ANTARCTIC SCIENTIFIC CENTER OF UKRAINE BELOW, IN SPANISH AND ENGLISH:
SEE ALSO:
