Russia, Argentina, and Great Britain are facing renewed tensions after reports emerged of a massive discovery of 511 billion barrels of oil, twice the reserves of Saudi Arabia, in a contested area of Antarctica.

The information was reported by the BRICS news channel, just days after President Javier Milei declined to join the bloc. The report was also discussed in the UK Parliament, where evidence of the find was presented. 

According to the channel, “Russia has discovered oil and gas reserves in British Antarctic territory, estimated at 511 billion barrels—double the reserves of Saudi Arabia and ten times the North Sea’s output in recent years.” Moscow, however, has not officially confirmed the news. 

The Antarctic Treaty of 1959 currently protects the continent, banning any exploration or exploitation of its natural resources. The treaty was designed to ensure the region remains dedicated to peaceful purposes and avoids becoming a flashpoint for international disputes. 

Russian discovery in Antarctica reignites tensions over sovereignty and resources

It also raises the strategic importance of Antarctica and reignites historic disputes over sovereignty, particularly tied to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and the South Sandwich Islands. 

International media report that the find is linked to research conducted by the vessel Alexander Karpinsky, operated by Rosgeo, a Russian state company responsible for identifying mineral reserves for potential commercial use. 

UK Deputy Foreign Minister David Rutley told lawmakers in the House of Commons that he trusts Russia’s claims of purely scientific activity: “Russia has recently reaffirmed its commitment to the key principles of the Antarctic Treaty.”  Meanwhile, Argentina is evaluating how to respond to this potential violation of the treaty and its implications for national sovereignty.

The alleged discovery by Russia could reshape Antarctic geopolitics and trigger a new international debate over the exploitation of its strategic resources, with Argentina, Chile, and Great Britain at the center of a rising global tension.