Russia to Claim North Pole

Russia is planting their flag under the sea at the North Pole today. The plan to place the Russian flag underneath the ice and directly on the sea bed is an effort to ensure that the world is aware of Russia's claim on the North Pole as part of the country's Exclusive Economic Zone. Two small submarines will dive from a surface research ship to plant the flag. A member of Russia's parliament will be on board one of the subs. This is the first I've heard of underwater flag planting and it will be interesting to see if Russia's claim is acknowledged through this act. Canada and Denmark are also very interested in maintaining claims to the Arctic. The New York Times has more.