OSLO: Norway has expelled 15 “intelligence officers” working at the Russian embassy in Oslo, citing activities not compatible with their diplomatic status. Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt announced the decision on Thursday, declaring the individuals “personae non gratae” who must leave shortly.
The Russian embassy in Oslo condemned the decision, promising a response.
The Norwegian foreign ministry stated that the decision was made in response to the security situation in Europe, which has led to a growing intelligence threat from Russia.”
Norwegian intelligence services regularly point to China and Russia as the primary espionage threats to the country.
Norway adopts all EU sanctions
Although Norway is not a European Union member, it has adopted almost all the sanctions imposed on Russia by Brussels.
The expulsion of the 15 Russian “intelligence officers” comes after Norway expelled three Russian diplomats suspected of espionage in April 2022, which led Russia to retaliate with the expulsion of three Norwegian diplomats.
Relations between the two countries, which have long had close relations, especially in the far north, have deteriorated considerably as a result of the conflict in Ukraine.
Norway shares a 198-kilometre (123-mile) border with Russia in the Arctic and is a member of NATO.
Speaking at a press conference, Huitfeldt said the activities of the “intelligence officers” had been monitored “over time,” but she declined to share details on what activities had prompted the decision.
Despite the expulsion, Huitfeldt emphasized that “Norway is seeking to maintain normal diplomatic ties with Russia, and Russian diplomats are welcome in Norway.”
