According to Russian newspaper Kommersant, the Russian Ministry of Transport has been in contact with the state nuclear energy company Rosatom to dispatch a nuclear-powered icebreaker to the Gulf of Finland. This request arises from unusually thick ice in the Baltic Sea, which poses a significant threat to Russia's maritime exports. The nuclear icebreaker, named Sibir, which is based in Murmansk, was already operating in the Baltic Sea and was expected to arrive in Saint Petersburg the following day.

The situation has become critical as Russia's maritime exports have come to a near halt in the Baltic due to a shortage of icebreakers to maintain navigable waterways. As highlighted by the business publication, exports of Russian metals and fertilizers have largely stalled, leading to severe repercussions for various industries. For instance, the aluminum plant in Saint Petersburg is on the verge of shutting down due to insufficient raw material supplies reaching the port.

In response to the freezing conditions, Russia has previously deployed additional icebreakers to assist with maritime operations. This year, ice coverage in the Gulf of Finland has exceeded levels not seen in over a decade, escalating concerns regarding navigational safety and the economic impact on Russian exports, emphasizing the crucial role that icebreaker services play during harsh winter conditions in the region.