Arctic Floating University expedition returns from polar archipelagos

ARCTIC TODAYArctic Floating University expedition returns from polar archipelagos Experts collected samples to assess the marine carbonate system and the carbon dioxide flow at the boundary of water and atmosphereARKHANGELSK, July 23. /TASS/. The Arctic Floating University expedition returned to Murmansk after exploring the northeast of the Barents Sea, the north of Novaya Zemlya, and the Franz Josef Land's islands. Researchers managed for the first time to carry out work on the Prince George Land, the expedition's leader Alexander Saburov told TASS from aboard the Professor Molchanov scientific research vessel. "We have managed to complete all the planned work, although we repeatedly had to adjust and change plans and even had to interrupt missions ashore due to weather conditions. Overall, the expedition is very successful. During the voyage, we made record-breaking four missions ashore the Franz Josef Land Archipelago. The Arctic Floating University was lucky to explore a new location - we have gone ashore the Prince George Land (an island of the Franz Josef Land Archipelago) for the first time. As for the Hooker and the Heiss Islands, our expeditions had not been there since 2021. In fact, researchers have visited these areas very rarely lately, so the collected data will help us in understanding conditions of the Arctic ecosystems," he said. Over the voyage, the Professor Molchanov vessel passed about 3,000 nautical miles. In the Barents Sea, scientists carried out work at 48 stations during four oceanographic sections. A section is a line of points with fixed coordinates where specialists make measurements and collect water samples. Researchers were identifying how the warm and salty Atlantic water mass penetrates into the Barents Sea's northeastern and central parts. Based on hydro-chemical tests' results, the scientists identified all the three expected water masses that are characteristic of the area. Experts collected samples to assess the marine carbonate system and the carbon dioxide flow at the boundary of water and atmosphere. The World Ocean plays a key role in climate regulating - it absorbs a significant amount of atmospheric carbon dioxide. Therefore, it is important to understand how climate change affects this process. Who lives on the seabed It was for the first time that the Arctic Floating University expedition's scientists monitored conditions of the Barents Sea's bottom communities. They managed to collect samples at several points where other expeditions had conducted research. For example, the dredging station made in Tikhaya Bay on the Hooker Island repeats what the Murmansk Marine Biological Institute selected in August 2006. Thus, scientists will compare the fauna over a 20-year period of time. In Sommerville Bay of the Prince Georg Land, samples of the seabed inhabitants were collected for the first time, and till now there is no data on the local marine population in the literature. As for big macrozoobenthos representatives in the samples, there are Chionoecetes opilio crab, northern shrimp, sea lilies, Ophiurida stars, sea urchins, soft corals, numerous polychaete worms and bivalves. Inhabitants of land, air and sea Microbiologists collected samples to clarify the role of mass bird species as infectious diseases transmission vectors. They explored nesting grounds at Novaya Zemlya and Franz Josef Land, where they observed 22 bird species. The scientists for the first time found a colony of kittiwakes in Sommerland Bay on the Prince Georg Land. "The expedition's success is that we have confirmed reproduction for 15 species," the expedition's leader added. During the voyage, specialists could see more than 90 times 13 species of marine mammals, where seven are listed in Russia's Red Data Book. "It was surprising to see single bowhead whales and a male narwhal in the ice-free Barents Sea waters between Novaya Zemlya and Franz Josef Land," he said. The expedition also met four polar bears, noting the animals were quite well-fed. It was once again for the first time that the expedition conducted a special entomological examination on all Franz Josef Land's islands they visited. According to Andrey Przyboro, a senior researcher at the Russian Academy of Sciences' Zoology Institute, the insect fauna of Franz Josef Land is extremely depleted compared to the Spitsbergen Archipelago and is noticeably depleted compared to Novaya Zemlya's Severny Island. This is due to both the harsher climatic conditions and to the archipelago's bigger isolation. About the expedition The 20th voyage of the Arctic Floating University scientific and educational expedition continued from July 1 to July 22, 2026 on board the Professor Molchanov scientific research vessel. The expedition organizers are: the Lomonosov Northern Arctic Federal University and the Northern Department for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring (Sevhydromet). The project's official sponsors and partners are: the Russian Federation's Ministry of Science and Higher Education, the Russian Geographical Society, general sponsor - VTB, the Norilsk Nickel Company, and the Floating University Coordination Center based at the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT). Ukraine crisisUkraine's losses from port shutdown estimated at $2 bln per monthAn alternative export route runs through Romanian ports, but its capacity is limitedRead moreRussian troops control greater part of Pisarevka in Sumy Region — expertAndrey Marochko says a portion of the settlement remains in the so-called gray zoneRead moreIran continues to produce missiles at facilities unknown to US — IRNAThe production of drones and missiles in Iran did not stop during the war or during the ceasefireRead moreAttack on Kuban caused by Ukraine’s failure on line of engagement — Russian lawmakerSergey Altukhov expressed condolences over the death of a person in Ukraine’s attack on ArmavirRead moreUkrainian forces under Syrsky lost control of 11,500 square kilometersDespite mounting evidence, the Ukrainian military leadership stubbornly denied the deteriorating situationRead moreLavrov, Rubio have begun talks in ManilaThe negotiations are taking place on the sidelines of ASEAN-related eventsRead moreIN BRIEF: Kremlin addresses Ukrainian military chief’s dismissal, sanctions on RussiaDmitry Peskov said the Russian Armed Forces continue offensive operations along the entire frontlineRead moreLavrov reaffirms Russia’s commitment to Alaska agreements at meeting with RubioIn addition, the top Russian diplomat emphasized that further weapons supplies to Kiev were unacceptable, the Russian foreign minister said Read moreTrump seeks to soften Russia sanctions bill, secure broad waiver authority — expertDr. Mark Episkopos said that instead of holding up a sanctions bill that might secure a veto-proof level of support in the Senate next year, the White House opted to negotiate its contentsRead moreNobody in region to be allowed to sell oil if Iran denied this opportunity — speakerMohammad Bagher Ghalibaf added that security in the strait is possible only if no American forces are present thereRead moreUS completes strikes on Iran — Central CommandAccording to the statement, US forces struck maritime capabilities, missile and drone storage facilities, coastal surveillance sites, and air defense assetsRead moreRussia, Iran reaffirm commitment to Strategic Partnership Treaty — Russian MFAAn assistant to the Iranian Foreign Minister and Director General for Eurasian Affairs at the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Manouchehr Moradi, was received by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail GaluzinRead morePress review: Truce on deck in Iran and EU to dry-run Ukraine deployment in Poland drillsTop stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, July 21stRead moreMeeting between Rubio, Lavrov on sidelines of ASEAN events scheduled for 06:50 Moscow timeThe schedule is subject to change, the US State Department warned without elaboratingRead moreMaersk suspends operations at one of Ukraine's largest portsThe company indicated that the vessel MEDKON MIRA V.629S with import cargo scheduled for discharge at Chernomorsk has been diverted to the Romanian port of ConstantaRead moreEU waging proxy war against Russia but unable to change course of conflict — politicianArmando Mema, a member of Finland’s Freedom Alliance, specified that the EU finances Ukraine "to fight a war it cannot win"Read moreEpstein case reveals real face of Western elites seeking to rule world — Lavrov"It is unnecessary to explain to any normal person that this is pure Satanism and is beyond human comprehension," the Russian Foreign Minister addedRead moreUS initiates meeting between Rubio, Lavrov — diplomatic sourceJournalists were allowed into the room briefly to film the opening of the meetingRead moreUS to use another ceasefire with Iran to plan ground operation — expertRuhollah Modabber believes that the ten-day ceasefire period will enable the US to arrange logistical routes and redeploy troops without worrying about a potential Iranian attack against its targetsRead moreConflict to go beyond regional borders if Trump delivers on his threats — Iranian militaryThe Iranian armed forces emphasized that Washington’s continuous threats will only make the conflict to expand in the region and even to go beyond its bordersRead moreSerbia’s deputy premier thanks Russia for supporting his country’s territorial integrityIvica Dacic emphasized that both countries maintain an active political dialogue, based on longtime friendship and successful cooperation both on bilateral and multilateral levelsRead morePutin highlightes external attempts to destabilize Russia's energy sectorThe Russian leader said that the condition of key sectors of the domestic economy remains stableRead moreUkraine’s attack being repelled in Sevastopol, four drones shot downGovernor Mikhail Razvozhayev says air defense systems and mobile fire groups are in actionRead moreZelensky reluctant to hand over real control over armed forces to Drapaty — portalThe sources believe that Vladimir Zelensky may resort to the work-to-rule tactics, also known as "Italian strike", relying on a loyal defense minister and direct communication with the General StaffRead moreBank of Russia buys $61.4 mln worth of yuan with July 22 settlementThe volume of foreign currency purchases on the domestic market with settlement on July 21 also totaled $61.4 mlnRead moreGlobal trade up 12.5% amid Strait of Hormuz shipping disruptions — UNCTADThe organization said that "a significant share of the increase reflects higher prices rather than stronger trade volumes"Read moreUAVs attack energy facility in Ulyanovsk Region — governorAlexey Russkikh says that emergency services are working at the sceneRead moreAftermath of Ukrainian drone attack on Russian regions, boy killed in Voronezh RegionOne person was killed and four others, including two children, were injured in a Ukrainian attack on CrimeaRead moreMeeting with Rubio, nuclear arms, US involvement in Kiev's attacks: Lavrov's statementsRussia is prepared for any development in the context of the EU militarization, the Russian foreign minister notedRead moreRussian troops liberate two communities in Ukraine operation over past day — top brassThe Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,270 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hoursRead moreUkraine faces its toughest winter in five years due to vulnerable power gridWork to protect Kiev’s critical infrastructure only began in May 2026 and is 49% completeRead morePress review: Houthis add new wrinkle to Mideast tailspin as UN stuck in bystander roleTop stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, July 22ndRead moreUS masking unsavory actions with myth of Russian threat in Mexico — Russian embassyThey are blatantly speculative in nature and serve narrow political endsRead moreWhat Solzhenitsyn said about Putin, and vice versaThe prominent writer and historian, who was exiled to GULAG camp, was born on December 11, 1918Read moreMoscow refuses to recognize G20 decisions made without it — Russian diplomatMarat Berdyev commented on the Group of Twenty’s move to bar Russian officials from G20 eventsRead moreTrump believes Iran will soon be ready to strike deal with USThe US president says that at this point, every time Iran makes a deal "they want to change it"Read moreNumber of injured in chairlift collapse in Russia’s Nalchik climbs to eightIt was clarified that two of those injured had been discharged following a medical checkupRead moreTwo people killed, 11 wounded following strike on checkpoint at Iran-Iraq border — TVLocal authorities say that the border crossing continues to operateRead moreDrapaty's appointment highlights Zelensky's desperation — expertAccording to Alexey Muratov, the reasons for the replacement were not officially named, but Western media linked it to the critical situation at the front for UkraineRead moreUS Department of Energy announces signing of nuclear program deal with Saudi ArabiaThe authority reports that the agreement is designed for several decades and is intended to provide "great access for American companies in the Saudi nuclear energy program"Read moreIRGC warns shipping companies southern Strait of Hormuz route minedIn response, Tehran began striking US facilities in the Middle East located in Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and OmanRead moreRussian forces pound Ukrainian ports, vessels, logistics centers used for military goalsRussian ground-based and air-launched precision-guided weapons and attack UAVs hit a dry cargo ship at the Chernomorsk port as it was unloading supplies intended for the Ukrainian armed forcesRead moreRomania faces fuel crisis due to Ukrainian attacks on CPC tankers in Black Sea — expertAdrian Negrescu said that crude oil supplies via the Caspian Pipeline Consortium system to the Novorossiysk terminal were cut off Read moreHamas extends hand to all Palestinian factions, calls for dialogue — Politburo headKhalil al-Hayya emphasized the need to "immediately begin a national dialogue" and identify mechanisms for rebuilding Palestinian national institutionsRead moreYemeni Houthis attack two Saudi Arabian oil tankers — statementThe Houthis emphasized that they also succeeded in forcing about ten vessels to turn backRead moreUkrainian troops shell DPR settlements 28 times in 24 hours firing 30 rounds of ammunitionTwo civilians were killed and ten injuredRead moreUkraine loses 6 Starlink communication stations due to Battlegroup East’s actions over day56 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles and 35 unmanned aviation control points were also destroyedRead moreUS forces launching another series of strikes against Iran — Central CommandThe authority asserts that it is attacking military targetsRead moreRussian forces strike over two dozen vessels carrying cargoes for Ukraine since July 11Four dry-cargo ships and two sea bulkers carrying military cargoes for the Ukrainian armed forces to the ports of Odessa and Chernomorsk were struck overnight to July 22, and also during the dayRead moreOne civilian killed, nine injured in Ukrainian attack on Belgorod Region over past dayThe Ukrainian armed forces 157 times attacked the regionRead moreUS may expand Iran operation within days — mediaAccording to the report, Donald Trump is still considering returning to major combat operations against IranRead moreEU forces board oil tanker on suspicion of 'sailing under false flag'EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the move was aimed at increasing pressure on what she described as "Russia’s shadow fleet"Read moreUS may hit terrorist group in Mali — Washington PostSenior US officials, however, disagree over whether to proceed with attacking the militant groupRead moreUkrainian army flees Zakharovka in Kharkov region amid pressure from Russia — expertAndrey Marochko says Ukrainian militants have abandoned some of their forward positions in the settlement as several strategic heights have come under Russia’s controlRead moreKiev has no military commanders who can defeat Russia — Zaporozhye officialOleg Murachev said that one of Mikhail Drapaty’s possible options to prove his mettle after the appointment is to rely on drones and strikes on civilians and civilian infrastructureRead moreRussian stock market closes higher as major indices post gainsThe yuan edged down 5 kopecks to 11.54 rublesRead moreOutgoing military chief Syrsky says leaves capable Ukrainian army to successorHowever, Alexander Syrsky's statement conflicted with data from the Russian Defense Ministry showing that Ukraine loses roughly 1,500 troops daily as a result of actions of Russian battlegroups in the special military operation zoneRead moreUS deploying forces to Middle East preparing to expand operations against Iran — WSJSources cited by the newspaper say that special operations forces have been deployed to the Middle East from bases in the US over the past weekRead moreKiev-based Rapid factory struck by Russian forces assembled Lyuty UAVs — expertDmitry Barov specified that the strike on the enterprise dealt a heavy blow to the Ukrainian defense industry sectorRead moreZelensky sacks military chief under pressure from Europe — mediaVladimir Zelensky reportedly had no plans to replace the military chief despite nationwide protestsRead moreRussian forces hit 200 railway engines hauling Western arms to Ukraine — diplomatAccording to Rodion Miroshnik, "90% of military cargoes arrive from European countries"Read moreEU ambassadors fail to agree on 21st package of anti-Russian sanctions — sourceAccording to earlier reports by Politico and Bloomberg, the proposed LNG transportation ban is being blocked by Greece, which fears that its shipping companies may suffer serious losses as a resultRead moreFACTBOX: Key takeaways from the Lavrov-Rubio meetingThe Russian foreign minister reaffirmed Russia's readiness to settle the conflict in Ukraine and its commitment to the agreements reached in AnchorageRead moreTrump doing everything he can to secure peace in Ukraine — US envoy to UNMike Waltz acknowledged that the US president had underestimated the complexity of the task when he previously suggested that he could resolve the Ukrainian conflict in as little as a dayRead moreRussia observing positive momentum in special military operation — KremlinDmitry Peskov said that Moscow is open to negotiationsRead moreEU ambassadors fail to agree on 21st package of anti-Russian sanctions — sourceThe European commission earlier proposed to ambassadors a draft version of its sanctions package with softer restrictions on Russian LNG transportation to third countries by European tankersRead moreIran’s defense doctrine follows ‘eye for an eye’ principle — foreign ministerUS President Donald Trump earlier said that for every strike on a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, the US armed forces would destroy an Iranian bridge or power plantRead moreRussian diplomat warns of rising risks to shipping in Strait of Hormuz, Red SeaMaria Zakharova says tensions in the Persian Gulf area are escalatingRead moreUS rejects Iran’s claim of control over Strait of HormuzCommercial vessels continue to use the strait with US military support, CENTCOM saidRead moreRussian Armed Forces liberate Belitskoye in DPR: what's knownThe Russian Armed Forces are conducting measures to search for and eliminate Ukrainian soldiers still hiding in the basementsRead moreUkraine’s attack on Voronezh Region causes casualties, serious consequencesGovernor Alexander Gusev says air defense forces spent the night repelling the attack on civilian targets, it is too early to provide full detailsRead moreFACTBOX: Putin outlines state of economy, fuel market, regional supportThe key sectors of the Russian economy remain resilient, the Russian president saidRead moreEU aims to sanction 90 banks, 215 individuals under new package — ReutersThe agency noted that the approval of these restrictions is complicated by "serious disagreements"Read moreUS air campaign against Iran running out of steam — PoliticoAccording to the report, the conflict is unlikely to shift decisively without a major escalation, including the deployment of ground forcesRead moreEx-French president spills beans, tells Russian pranksters EU is party to Ukraine conflictThe ex-president of France reiterated that the sole objective of the Minsk agreements was to buy time to strengthen Ukraine’s combat capabilitiesRead moreUp to 18% of Amur tigers die from natural causes — expertSergey Aramilev, director of the Amur Tiger center, says there are currently about 750 Amur tigers in RussiaRead moreUkrainian army retreating from Pisarevka in Sumy Region to Khoten as Russia advancesAccording to Andrey Marochko, Russian troops regularly strike Khoten with fireRead moreRussia ready for any developments as EU militarizes — LavrovRussia reiterates that it does not seek to attack anyone, the Russian foreign minister said Read moreUS administration refuses to transfer military aid worth $400 million to Kiev — senatorDick Durbin says the funds are unavailable until the next president is in officeRead morePutin to hold meeting with lawmakers on July 27 — KremlinAccording to Spokesman Dmitry Peskov, the discussion is expected to focus on results of the work of the current convocationRead moreIN BRIEF: What is known about Wildberries operations after drone attacksWildberries warehouse operations in Krasnodar and Nevinnomyssk have been suspended, according to the WB Partners Telegram channelRead moreVenezuelan president Maduro’s trial in New York to begin on June 1, 2027Lawyers on both sides earlier requested New York District Judge Alvin Hellerstein to set the trial for June 2027, but gave no exact datesRead moreFACTBOX: What is known about flight altitude restrictions in Moscow air hub areaTransit flights through the Moscow aviation hub are prohibitedRead moreFACTBOX: Latest update on Russia's strikes on Ukrainian portsThe Russian Armed Forces continued to strike Ukrainian ports used in the interests of supplying cargoes for the Ukrainian military, and military facilities in the Odessa RegionRead moreRussian drones strike five ships transporting cargo for Ukrainian militaryThe ministry published what it described "objective control footage of the July 22 strikes involving Geran-4 Seeker drones on four vessels of the dry cargo carrier type and one bulk-carrier-type ship in the waters of the Black Sea and in the port of ChernomorskRead moreRussia not to concede to West in confrontation in Ukraine — expertHanna Notte added that since the beginning of the Ukrainian crisis, Moscow has gained support from non-Western countries that have refused to make "a binary choice between Russia and the West"Read moreTanker damaged by projectile off Saudi Arabian coast — UK Maritime Trade OperationsThere have been no reports of casualtiesRead moreThree tankers attempt to traverse Strait of Hormuz, explosion occurs on one of them — IRGCAccording to the statement, the other two turned around at full speed and retreatedRead moreRussia cuts supply route serving Ukrainian troops near Pisarevka in Sumy Region — expertAccording to Andrey Marochko, the Krovnoye-Khoten road has come under the near-total control of the Russian militaryRead moreLavrov to ask Rubio for clarification about Trump's comments on UkraineThe Russian foreign minister recalled that Marco Rubio also commented on the Anchorage outcome in a rather ambiguous wayRead moreIranian military sees possibility of allowing some ships to cross Strait of HormuzVessels are allowed to pass "in accordance with the established route and in line with the previously announced rules," the statement readRead moreRussian AI-assisted Geran UAV swarms manage to overload Ukrainian air defenses by 400%In February 2026, cases were registered when a swarm of 20-30 UAVs overloaded Ukrainian air defenses by 300-400%Read moreIN BRIEF: Ukrainian military reshuffle with new commander-in-chief, General Staff headUnder Ukraine’s national security law, Zelensky may appoint a new commander-in-chief only upon the recommendation of a serving defense minister, a position that is currently vacantRead moreWest makes no secret that it needs Ukraine for resources — Russia’s UN missionDeputy Permanent Representative Dmitry Chumakov separately said that during the military interventions in Iraq, Libya, and Syria "the battle for political clout was accompanied by a struggle for natural resources"Read moreTotalEnergies boosts 1H 2026 LNG sales by 9%LNG sales totaled 23.1 mln metric tons, up from 21.2 mln metric tons a year earlierRead moreRussia to be represented at high level at G20 summit in US — KremlinDmitry Peskov added that Russian participations will be proactiveRead moreEU may allow Greece to continue transporting Russian LNG — FTAccording to sources cited by the newspaper, the agreement will allow companies to continue transporting Russian LNG to third countries for 12 months with the possibility of extension, while volumes will be capped at 2025 levelsRead moreRussian forces carry out more strikes on Ukrainian ports, infrastructure facilitiesStrikes on the port of Odessa hit infrastructure facilities used to unload and store military cargoRead moreTalks between Lavrov, Rubio have concluded, lasting more than half hourDuring the conversation, the parties planned to focus particular attention on the settlement of the conflict in UkraineRead moreZelensky reports holding 'important' conversation with US envoys Witkoff, KushnerVladimir Zelensky said the teams remain in close contactRead moreZelensky effectively launches Fedorov’s presidential campaign himself — Rada memberMaryana Bezuglaya recalled that Vladimir Zelensky and Mikhail Fedorov had worked together for yearsRead more