Instituted on 26 February 2013 for service north of the Arctic Circle by any of the services, army, navy or air force but particularly relevant to those who took part in the North Sea convoys to carry supplies to Russia. Probably about 2000 Australians are entitled to this medal.
 
These people would also be entitled for the Russian 40th Anniversary of the Great Patrioic War Medal, issued in 1985.