Norway has expelled 15 Russian embassy officials, whom the country’s foreign ministry claims were operating as intelligence officers under the cover of diplomatic positions. This move marks the latest instance of a Western country expelling Russian diplomats since Moscow launched its full-scale war against Ukraine last year. Estonia, the Netherlands, and Austria have also expelled Russian diplomats earlier this year, reflecting the ongoing diplomatic tensions between Russia and Western nations.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt stated during a news conference that the activities of the expelled officers posed a threat to Norway, and that their actions had increased since the invasion of Ukraine. The officers are required to leave Norway shortly, according to Huitfeldt. The Russian foreign ministry responded, stating that Moscow would retaliate to the expulsions, without providing further details, as reported by state-owned news agency TASS.
Norway, being a member of the NATO military alliance, shares a border with Russia in the Arctic region. The expulsions could potentially complicate the process of transferring the chair of the Arctic Council, a multilateral body where Arctic nations discuss issues concerning the polar region. Currently, Moscow holds the chair, but Norway is scheduled to take over on May 11. Oslo had previously expressed its intention to prioritize a smooth transition, but it remains unclear if the expulsions would affect this process, according to Huitfeldt.
Despite the expulsions, Huitfeldt reiterated that Norway seeks to maintain normal diplomatic relations with Russia, and Russian diplomats are still welcome in the country. The situation underscores the ongoing diplomatic tensions between Russia and Western nations, with the conflict in Ukraine continuing to impact relations and trigger diplomatic repercussions.
