Putin gives go-ahead to new nuclear icebreaker

Under Western sanctions for its Ukraine offensive, Russia is hoping to rely on the Northern Sea Route -- a shipping lane that traverses the Arctic Ocean -- to enable more trade with Asia by cutting distances and costs.

The new icebreaker, dubbed the "Leningrad", will "take part in the most important exploration and research programmes in the Arctic" as well as facilitate trade, Putin said in a speech at a shipyard in Saint Petersburg.

Leningrad is the old name of the city, which is also Putin's home town.

Russia has pivoted much of its trade -- particularly crucial oil and gas sales -- to Asia since it was hit with sanctions for sending troops into Ukraine.

The 170-metre ship, being built by the state nuclear agency Rosatom, is designed to carve through ice to allow trailing cargo ships easier passage through the frozen northern seas.

Russia is the only country in the world that builds and operates nuclear-powered icebreakers.