In the past few weeks, Norwegian investigators have arrested several Russians on alleged espionage. Now the government in Oslo is reacting and activating the armed forces. Prime Minister Støre speaks of the “worst security situation” in decades.
Norway, which borders Russia, is putting its armed forces on high alert. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre announced in Oslo that the measure will apply from Tuesday. “This is the worst security situation in several decades,” he said. At the same time, he stressed that no direct threat from Russia had been identified.
“There is no sign that Russia is expanding its warfare to other countries, but the rising tensions make us more vulnerable to threats, intelligence operations and influence campaigns,” said the prime minister. In view of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, it was necessary for all NATO countries to be “increasingly vigilant”.
According to the Norwegian Minister of Defense Björn Arild Gram, increasing the state of alert means, among other things, that protective measures at military installations will be strengthened. The Norwegian Air Force has reportedly canceled training with its F35 fighter jets in the United States to be on the ground in Norway.
NATO member Norway shares a 198-kilometer border with Russia in the Arctic. In the meantime, Norway has replaced Russia as the main supplier on the European gas market as a result of the Ukraine war.
Recently, mysterious drone flights had been observed in Norway, especially near oil platforms in the sea. Several Russians have been arrested in connection with the drones. In addition, Norwegian counterintelligence arrested a suspected Russian spy last week who had posed as a Brazilian researcher.