Russia's commercial seaports saw a 5.8% increase in cargo turnover from January to June 2026, reaching 451.452 million metric tons. Growth was noted in Caspian, Arctic, Far Eastern, and Azov-Black Sea basins, while the Baltic basin experienced a decline.
A 40-volume Chinese translation of the International Military Tribunal for the Far East (Tokyo Trial) records, taking over a decade with hundreds of translators, has been completed and published, filling a critical gap in China's domestic historical records.
Fishermen in Russia's Primorsky Krai report a shark "invasion," including mako and great white sharks, near the coast. The phenomenon is attributed to an unusually large tuna migration, driven by warm waters and abundant sardine (ivasi) populations, which in turn are influenced by the Tsushima Current.
Newly revealed diaries from US prosecutor David Nelson Sutton detail the effort to document Japanese wartime atrocities in China during the Tokyo Trial. The archives, donated to the Memorial Hall of the Victims in the Nanking Massacre by Japanese Invaders, highlight the prosecutorial team's sacrifice and pursuit of justice.
As of June 1, 2026, Russia's aquatic bioresources catch reached over 2.016 million metric tons. The Far Eastern basin accounted for the largest portion with 1.624 million tons, followed by the Northern basin.
Russia aims to increase cargo traffic along the Northern Sea Route to 70 million metric tons by 2030, according to Vladimir Yakushev, First Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council. He emphasized the route's global strategic importance and the need for policies prioritizing the people living and working in the Arctic and Far East regions.
Russian Minister Alexey Chekunkov stated that large Chinese companies are showing significant interest in investing in and localizing production for large-scale renewable energy projects, measured in gigawatts, in Russia's Far East. Hydropower development, including the Kankunskaya Hydroelectric Power Station, is a particular focus.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Trutnev sees strong prospects for cooperation between Russia's Far East and China in energy, agriculture, and tourism. He noted that new tourist complexes are being built in scenic Russian locations, and he was inspired by China's hiking trail model.
Perm's Incab plant, backed by the Industrial Development Fund, has launched production of fiber-optic cable cores for underwater communication lines serving Russia's Far East and Arctic Zone. The facility will produce over 2,400 km of cable annually, representing nearly 50% of the Russian market. The 1 billion ruble project involves interregional production with the optical core manufactured in Perm and finished cables made in Primorsky Region.
The Northern Sea Route is increasingly viewed by Asia-Pacific nations as a strategic alternative to the Strait of Malacca, driven by security concerns and long-term trade prospects, according to Russian Minister Alexey Chekunkov.
Russian President Vladimir Putin will chair a government video conference on Thursday to discuss development of the Arctic zone and the Transarctic Transport Corridor. The comprehensive project, being prepared by the Maritime Board and government, aims to integrate development of Russia's Arctic and Far East, grow cargo base, and expand domestic and international transportation. The project will be presented by end of April and reviewed with Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin in June 2026.
Dozens of vehicles were rescued from deep snowdrifts in Zabaikalsky Krai, where over 250 people were taken to shelters after a rare April snowstorm.
