The article highlights the problem of the lessons of global confrontation during the Second world war and the historical experience of joining forces to combat the risks of a global catastrophe. A general description of the opposing forces and assets in the Northern theater of military operations, their victories and losses is given. Using the example of Hero of the Soviet Union G.I. Shchedrin, the heroism and dedication of the Soviet people in the battles in the Arctic and the contribution of the Northern Front to the Great Victory of the soviet people against european fascism are shown. Some lessons of the Second world war are formulated, including the need to ensure a level of political, military-strategic and operational management appropriate to existing realities; the use of constructive cooperation between antagonistic geopolitical actors, albeit in the short term, under strict control over the implementation of agreements; the obligation and importance of preventive defensive and offensive actions based on objective information and appropriate training; focusing on the most vulnerable places in the security system; the need for reliable cover for both combat operations and continuous logistical support for the active army. The relevance of the lessons of the Second world war and their oblivion by modern political elites is substantiated. A historical analogy is drawn between modern events in the European theater of military operations and the course of the last world war.