Russia mysteriously closes off Arctic waters for ‘missile landing zone’ near NATO border

Russia has issued a warning for ships and aircraft to avoid parts of the Barents Sea off northern Norway until April 30 due to a planned space launch.

The restricted zones are designated as “missile impact areas,” though this refers to falling rocket debris rather than weapons.

The alert is tied to a Soyuz-2-1b launch from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, expected around April 23.

During the launch, rocket components such as payload fairings will detach and land in the marked areas, the Express has reported.

The mission will carry Rassvet broadband satellites, part of Russia’s effort to build a satellite internet network, making the unusually large exclusion zone notable for nearby shipping and fishing activities.