Administrative residential complex Arctic Trefoil. Base "Arctic Trefoil". An engineering marvel and a major object. Why is the President of Ecuador accused of treason?

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A section has appeared on the website of the Russian Ministry of Defense dedicated to the Arctic Trefoil military base, built on Alexandra Island in the Franz Josef Land archipelago in the Arctic. Visitors to the resource are offered a virtual tour of the base to get acquainted with its structure and the life of the military personnel living on it.

“The military infrastructure of the Arctic base consists of numerous special-purpose structures, as well as control posts, garages for military and special equipment, an autonomous power unit, specialized warehouses and storage facilities. “Arctic Trefoil” is completely autonomous, and the optimal location of residential and office premises of the military base ensures comfortable living it will have up to 150 military personnel within a year and a half,” the military department said in a press release.

The 3D tour of the base “visually demonstrates how the rooms for military personnel, the officer’s canteen, the gym and cinema-concert halls, the atrium, the library, the greenhouse, and the medical block are arranged and equipped.”

“Using the Internet application, visitors to the Ministry of Defense website will be able to interactively evaluate the convenient and ergonomic modular layout of the base, which allows the Russian military to efficiently perform service and combat missions in the harsh climatic conditions of the Arctic,” the Ministry of Defense emphasizes.

Also, for the convenience of users, the application contains a photo gallery of the objects of the Arctic Trefoil residential complex with the ability to download in high resolution.

The military reports that the administrative-residential complex (AKhK) "Arctic Trefoil" is the only capital construction facility in the world built at 80 degrees north latitude. Its area is more than 14 thousand square meters. m. The facility was built using innovative and energy-efficient technologies. For the first time, AZhK used the principle of creating a technical floor, where equipment is located that comfortably serves all communications, including in cold weather.

Let us recall that at the beginning of August 2016, the UN Commission began considering Russia’s application to expand the boundaries of the continental shelf in the Arctic Ocean. The total area of ​​the territory claimed by Russia is 1 million 191 thousand square meters. km. Following the presentation of the application to the UN in February 2016, it was reported that, as a rule, the commission makes its decision within two to four years.

Meanwhile, some of the territories in the Russian application are claimed by Canada and Denmark. In addition, Norway and the United States also lay claim to various areas of the Arctic Ocean floor.

The interest of states in the northern seas is dictated by the fact that their depths contain 83 billion tons of standard fuel. Of these, about 80% occur in the Barents and Kara Seas.

In addition, the West suspects that Russia plans, as soon as possible, to take advantage of likely future climate changes that will turn the Arctic ice into an important sea route, providing the country with economic and tactical advantages.

If agreements on the shelf cannot be reached, the Arctic could become a likely location for future wars, the press believes. It was noted that the Kremlin is much better prepared for open conflict or habitual competition, since Moscow not only owns more than 40 icebreakers, but is also conducting the largest military development of the Arctic since the Cold War.

Russia has more Arctic bases than any other country

As Newsweek magazine reported, Russia has more Arctic bases than any other country and is building more, including 13 new airfields and 10 air defense radar stations in the Arctic, the article said. The United States is in a deliberately losing position - Washington does not have such resources, it has only two old icebreakers that are not capable of competing with the Arctic equipment of the Russian Federation.

At the end of last year, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced the continuation of strengthening the group of Russian troops in the Arctic direction. He also noted that the Russian Federation was forced to increase the number of fighter aircraft sorties by 61% in order to prevent violations of the country’s airspace in the Baltic, Black Sea and Arctic.

Against the background of concerns expressed by representatives of Western countries in connection with the strengthening of the Russian military presence in the Arctic, the Russian authorities insist on the exclusively peaceful nature of activities in the region and the desire for cooperation with other countries. Thus, Russian President Vladimir Putin previously called not to make the Arctic a place “for geopolitical games of military blocs.”

In March of this year, President Putin visited the island of Alexandra Land of the Franz Josef Land archipelago, where he got acquainted with the results of work to eliminate environmental damage in the Arctic zone, which he announced back in 2011. After this, he reiterated that Russia proceeds from the fact that there is no potential for conflict in the Arctic.

"Arctic Trefoil" is the northernmost outpost of the Russian Federation, as well as the northernmost structure of this scale. The uniqueness of this facility is observed in everything: from the architectural features of the complex to the latest technologies that ensure the full functioning of the outpost.

Land of the Big Dipper

The country of the Great Bear - this is how the word “Arctic” can be translated from Greek. This is the northernmost region of the globe. The area of ​​the Arctic, depending on the method of territorial division, varies from 21 to 27 million square kilometers.

In 2014, D. Medvedev signed an order to resume development. It implied the opening of thirteen airfields, ten air defense stations, and sixteen ports. In addition, drifting and search stations resumed work.

Construction

Construction of the Arctic Trefoil base began back in 2007, but information about the stages of construction became publicly available only in 2015. The location of the base was the island of Alexandra Land in the Franz Josef Land archipelago at eighty degrees north latitude. This is not the only Russian military facility located in northern latitudes. In the New Siberian Islands archipelago on Kotelny Island there is “Northern Clover” - the first Arctic base in Russia, “Trefoil” became the second.

“Arctic Trefoil” is the northernmost object in the world, the creation of which involved not only construction and installation work, but also earthworks. They consist of constructing buried foundations, load-bearing structures and connecting communications. Despite the fact that construction has not yet been completed, the base is already inhabited and fulfilling its functions. Construction work is carried out by the SpetsStroy of Russia enterprise. More than eight hundred people are involved in the construction. Unique technologies were used for the structures, allowing the construction of permanent structures in permafrost conditions, and modern materials that effectively retain heat and significantly reduce the cost of maintaining a positive temperature in the base buildings.

Description of the database

On the territory of the Arctic Trefoil there are several buildings and special structures. The main building of the base is the administrative and residential complex, designed in the shape of a three-pointed star. This is a five-story building, painted in the colors of the Russian tricolor.

Three ellipsoid-shaped buildings were built between the branches of the administrative and residential complex. They house a kitchen and dining room, leisure facilities, medical and administrative blocks. The outpost also has a boiler house, a power plant, warehouses, garages and other outbuildings. The buildings are connected to each other by insulated passages. This is a very important communication that allows you to move freely around the base even in the most severe frost.

In addition, roads are organized throughout the island, and a fuel pumping station is equipped on the shore. All this makes the Arctic Trefoil complex autonomous. The equipment of the base is capable of ensuring a one-time stay of one and a half hundred people for eighteen months.

Unique Features

During the construction of the outpost, the designers encountered certain difficulties due to the remoteness of the complex from the “Mainland” and the very low average annual temperature of the region. Equipment and building materials are delivered to the site via However, this is only possible for four months a year during summer navigation.

The main feature of the “Arctic Trefoil” is the pile foundation, the presence of which eliminates the risk of buildings. is located in the center of the base, and from it, like rays, there are branches to other buildings and buildings. Moreover, even from space, “Arctic Trefoil” is able to amaze with the uniqueness of its architectural solutions.

Life on base

Comfortable conditions for both work and leisure have been organized for the garrison guarding the northern borders of the Russian Federation. The main building of the base is divided into four blocks - three beams and a central part, which has an atrium with a glass roof, which allows daylight to enter the building. In addition, the observation deck on the roof of the building allows you to observe every point of the base. In the beams of the building there are mainly residential premises. From the central part, insulated passages lead to other main buildings.

In addition to the main buildings, the base contains technical and utility structures that can ensure the autonomy of the facility for a long time.

Air defense

Functions of the Trefoil

In addition to its main function - protecting the air borders of the Russian Federation, meteorological research is carried out at the base. Control of the Northern Sea Route consists not only of military protection, but also of ensuring the safe passage of ships in terms of weather conditions. Modern equipment installed at the base helps analyze currents, ice movement and other factors that can slow down or impede navigation.

Prospects

Until recently, the existence of the base was known only to a certain circle of people. In March 2017, Russian President V.V. visited the Arctic. Putin. The visit was also attended by the Prime Minister, the Minister of Defense and the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment. One of the purposes of the visit was to visit the outpost. And already in April, a new project was launched on the website of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation - a virtual tour of the “Arctic Trefoil”. Now everyone can get acquainted with the conditions in which the northernmost military unit lives.

As political scientists predict, in the near future a fierce struggle for Arctic territories will unfold on the world stage. In addition to the long-known five claimants with borders in the Arctic Ocean, other countries began to claim their rights to the northern territories.

The massive melting of glaciers opens up new prospects for the development of northern territories rich in natural resources. In addition, from the point of view of the country's defense, the Arctic is of strategic importance.

At the northernmost point of Russia, on the Franz Josef Land archipelago, a unique military facility, the Arctic Trefoil, is being built. No one has ever built military facilities of this scale so close to the North Pole. Only Russian people are capable of this!

© The post uses personal photographs and photographs of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation

“Arctic Trefoil” is currently the only capital construction facility in the world being built at 80 degrees north latitude.

Alexandra Land is an island with an area of ​​1130 sq. km, part of the Franz Josef Land archipelago. During World War II, the island housed a German weather station and a submarine base.

The relevance of Alexandra Land as a military base increased significantly after the creation of the Joint Strategic Command “North” in December 2014, intended to comprehensively ensure the security of the Arctic region of Russia. The three main tasks of this security are the defense of the shelf of the Arctic seas, the Northern Sea Route and the Northwest Passage.

The administrative and residential complex “Arctic Trefoil” is a five-story trefoil, painted in the colors of the Russian tricolor, between the rays of which there are three ellipsoids - an administrative block, a catering block, as well as a cultural and leisure center combined with a medical service block.

“Arctic Trefoil” is the second closed-cycle complex being built in the interests of the Northern Fleet in the high-latitude regions of the Arctic. The first residential complex “Northern Clover” was built at 75 degrees north latitude on Kotelny Island in the New Siberian Islands archipelago.

In the center of the trefoil there is an atrium - a multi-light space illuminated through glazing in the roof and stained glass windows located in the side walls. Above the central support of the atrium there is an observation deck protected by translucent structures, which allows visual observation of the main military infrastructure facilities.

In fact, this is a complex for living and working, equal in autonomy to a space station. The autonomy of the complex will ensure comfortable living and performance of official duties for a group of 150 people for a year and a half.

The total area of ​​the complex is more than 14 thousand square meters.

The residential block in the Arctic Trefoil consists of modules for one, two and three people.

Dining room

Over 800 people work on construction. The construction of the Arctic Trefoil is carried out using innovative and energy-efficient technologies that minimize energy consumption.

The work is being carried out by the legendary enterprise - Spetsstroy of Russia.

The complex is designed in such a way that facilities such as a power unit, boiler room, power plants, sewage treatment plants, warehouses and storage facilities are connected by heated passages, which means that military personnel will not need to go out into the cold, which here reaches minus 52 degrees.

Roads have been paved on the island, and a coastal pumping station has been built and is operating, allowing it to receive fuel from tankers and supply it to the fuel and lubricants warehouse.

There is now even a chapel on the island where they will take care of the strength of the spiritual bonds of soldiers and officers.

The Arctic is in the zone of strategic interests of our country, so in April, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu personally inspected Russia’s northernmost military base.

This is one of five garrisons that are currently being built in the northern latitudes. The complex on Franz Josef Land is Russia's northernmost outpost in the Arctic. Similar towns are planned to be built along the entire northern border of Russia.

Ecuadorian authorities have denied Julian Assange asylum at the London embassy. The founder of WikiLeaks was detained by British police, and this has already been called the biggest betrayal in the history of Ecuador. Why are they taking revenge on Assange and what awaits him?

Australian programmer and journalist Julian Assange became widely known after the website WikiLeaks, which he founded, published secret documents from the US State Department in 2010, as well as materials related to military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

But it was quite difficult to find out who the police, supporting by the arms, were leading out of the building. Assange had grown a beard and looked nothing like the energetic man he had previously appeared in photographs.

According to Ecuadorian President Lenin Moreno, Assange was denied asylum due to his repeated violations of international conventions.

He is expected to remain in custody at a central London police station until he appears at Westminster Magistrates' Court.

Why is the President of Ecuador accused of treason?

Former Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa called the current government's decision the biggest betrayal in the country's history. “What he (Moreno - editor’s note) did is a crime that humanity will never forget,” Correa said.

London, on the contrary, thanked Moreno. The British Foreign Office believes that justice has triumphed. The representative of the Russian diplomatic department, Maria Zakharova, has a different opinion. “The hand of “democracy” is squeezing the throat of freedom,” she noted. The Kremlin expressed hope that the rights of the arrested person will be respected.

Ecuador sheltered Assange because the former president had left-of-center views, criticized U.S. policies and welcomed WikiLeaks' release of secret documents about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Even before the Internet activist needed asylum, he managed to personally meet Correa: he interviewed him for the Russia Today channel.

However, in 2017, the government in Ecuador changed, and the country set a course for rapprochement with the United States. The new president called Assange “a stone in his shoe” and immediately made it clear that his stay on the embassy premises would not be prolonged.

According to Correa, the moment of truth came at the end of June last year, when US Vice President Michael Pence arrived in Ecuador for a visit. Then everything was decided. “You have no doubt: Lenin is simply a hypocrite. He has already agreed with the Americans on the fate of Assange. And now he is trying to make us swallow the pill, saying that Ecuador is supposedly continuing the dialogue,” Correa said in an interview with the Russia Today channel.

How Assange made new enemies

The day before his arrest, WikiLeaks editor-in-chief Kristin Hrafnsson said that Assange was under total surveillance. “WikiLeaks uncovered a large-scale espionage operation against Julian Assange at the Ecuadorian embassy,” he noted. According to him, cameras and voice recorders were placed around Assange, and the information received was transferred to the Donald Trump administration.

Hrafnsson clarified that Assange was going to be expelled from the embassy a week earlier. This did not happen only because WikiLeaks released this information. A high-ranking source told the portal about the plans of the Ecuadorian authorities, but the head of the Ecuadorian Foreign Ministry, Jose Valencia, denied the rumors.

Assange's expulsion was preceded by the corruption scandal surrounding Moreno. In February, WikiLeaks published a package of INA Papers, which traced the operations of the offshore company INA Investment, founded by the brother of the Ecuadorian leader. Quito said it was a conspiracy between Assange and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and former Ecuadorian leader Rafael Correa to overthrow Moreno.

In early April, Moreno complained about Assange's behavior at Ecuador's London mission. “We must protect the life of Mr. Assange, but he has already crossed all boundaries in terms of violating the agreement that we came to with him,” the president said. “This does not mean that he cannot speak freely, but he cannot lie and hack.” ". At the same time, back in February last year it became known that Assange at the embassy was deprived of the opportunity to interact with the outside world, in particular, his Internet access was cut off.

Why Sweden stopped its prosecution of Assange

At the end of last year, Western media, citing sources, reported that Assange would be charged in the United States. This was never officially confirmed, but it was because of Washington’s position that Assange had to take refuge in the Ecuadorian embassy six years ago.

In May 2017, Sweden stopped investigating two rape cases in which the portal’s founder was accused. Assange demanded compensation from the country's government for legal costs in the amount of 900 thousand euros.

Earlier, in 2015, Swedish prosecutors also dropped three charges against him due to the expiration of the statute of limitations.

Where did the investigation into the rape case lead?

Assange arrived in Sweden in the summer of 2010, hoping to receive protection from American authorities. But he was investigated for rape. In November 2010, a warrant was issued for his arrest in Stockholm, and Assange was put on the international wanted list. He was detained in London, but was soon released on bail of 240 thousand pounds.

In February 2011, a British court decided to extradite Assange to Sweden, after which a number of successful appeals followed for the WikiLeaks founder.

British authorities placed him under house arrest before deciding whether to extradite him to Sweden. Breaking his promise to the authorities, Assange asked for asylum at the Ecuadorian embassy, ​​which was granted to him. Since then, the UK has had its own claims against the WikiLeaks founder.

What awaits Assange now?

The man was re-arrested on a US extradition request for publishing classified documents, police said. At the same time, Deputy Head of the British Foreign Ministry Alan Duncan said that Assange would not be sent to the United States if he faced the death penalty there.

In the UK, Assange is likely to appear in court on the afternoon of April 11. This is stated on the WikiLeaks Twitter page. British authorities are likely to seek a maximum sentence of 12 months, the man's mother said, citing his lawyer.

At the same time, Swedish prosecutors are considering reopening the rape investigation. Attorney Elizabeth Massey Fritz, who represented the victim, will seek this.

The Russian Ministry of Defense responded to the successfully completed sea trials of the new generation aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford with a virtual tour of our Arctic Trefoil military base.

1. The base is built in the shape of a three-pointed star and consists of numerous special-purpose structures, as well as control centers, garages, warehouses and an autonomous power unit. Its hulls are painted in the color of the Russian flag. Today, this is the only structure in the world of this scale built at 80 degrees north latitude.

2. “Arctic Trefoil” is located on the island of Alexandra Land in the Franz Josef Land archipelago and is the second military facility built in the Arctic for the deployment of air defense units of the Russian Northern Fleet. The first was the Northern Clover military base on Kotelny Island in the New Siberian Islands archipelago.

3. In addition to the main building of the housing and administrative complex, the base includes a power plant; a water treatment plant for 700 tons of water obtained by disinfecting snow; shore pumping station for fuel replenishment; sewerage facilities; heated garages for military equipment. All base buildings are connected by heated covered galleries.

4. Construction of the facility has been underway since 2007, but only in 2015 information about the Arctic Trefoil became available to the press.

5. The only subtle point in this construction was the complete lack of information about how much money this base was built for. Well, our military doesn’t like people delving into such things, but the Americans are not shy about saying that the aircraft carrier cost them almost 13 billion dollars. I would like to believe that the money was not wasted.

6. “Arctic Trefoil” is completely autonomous and provides comfortable accommodation for up to 150 military personnel for a year and a half
The total area of ​​the complex is 14 thousand square meters. If you look at the photo you will understand. that the term "Cold War" may have a completely different meaning...