The Arctic is becoming the new stage for regional cooperation among Northeast Asian countries. Russia is the largest country in the Arctic region. In recent years, Russia has continued to strengthen its political, economic and military strategy in the Arctic region in an attempt to acquire leadership in developmental affairs. Meanwhile, China, Japan and Korea continue to intervene in Arctic affairs. This article analyzes Russia's current strategic thinking towards the Arctic, the history of Northeast Asia's participation in governance relating to the Arctic and the current concerns of the powers in the region. On such foundation, this article further analyzes the current state and potential for cooperation between Russia and other Northeast Asian countries in fields such as energy development, scientific research and the use of Arctic passageways. In the context of the Ukrainian crisis and continued deterioration in East-West relations, Moscow has turned east in search of cooperation. Such a turn provides a rare opportunity for Northeast Asian countries to participate in Arctic governance.