Photo: Barents News
Russia is using the Arctic as training ground for its newest class of diesel-electric submarines built for the Black Sea Fleet.
http://barentsobserver.com/en/security/2015/01/black-sea-fleet-submarines-arctic-tests-09-01
January 09, 2015
Ann Novek( Luure)--With the Sky as the Ceiling and the Heart Outdoors 
I think real motive is training for global warming when the ice caps recede and have land for natural resources and oil and ready to move in and stake claims besides world wide UN treaties that the caps are off limits for single nation claims.
Russia does want complete control of Black sea and ports for oil drilling. I don’t see why they think a big military presence is necessary because no one strong enough in region to challenge them anyway.
Hi,
I Think they are so isolated, that’s why they are a bit paranoid!
Take care,
Ann