Norway announced the expulsion of fifteen Russian embassy personnel this Thursday, accusing them of exploiting diplomatic status to engage in intelligence activities unsuited to their roles. The move was described by Norwegian Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt as a decisive step aimed at countering and reducing Russian intelligence activity on Norwegian soil while protecting national interests. She stressed that Russia poses the largest intelligence threat to Norway and that Oslo intends to neutralize such activity, insisting that Russian officers will not be permitted to operate in Norway under the cover of diplomacy. Source attribution: Norwegian Foreign Ministry.
Huitfeldt called the measure an important security action, noting that it signals Norway’s resolve to guard its sovereignty and protect critical security interests. The government added that the diplomats must leave immediately, joining three others who were expelled on the same grounds in April of the previous year. Source attribution: Norwegian Foreign Ministry.
The foreign minister linked the intensification of Russia-related threats to the broader security landscape created by the war in Ukraine. She pointed out that regional instability has heightened the risk of espionage and other covert activities in Europe, and she highlighted that several European allies have tightened visa rules and reduced the number of accredited Russian staff as a precautionary response. Source attribution: Norwegian Foreign Ministry.
While underscoring the desire for normal diplomatic relations, Norway reaffirmed that it remains open to constructive engagement with Moscow. Huitfeldt emphasized that the current actions target Russia specifically and are not a broad stance against all Russian diplomats who adhere to international norms. The message is clear: this is about countering unwanted espionage activities while preserving the possibility of future dialogue. Source attribution: Norwegian Foreign Ministry.
Norway is a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and participates in sanctions aligned with the European Union’s measures against Moscow in response to the invasion of Ukraine. This alignment underscores Norway’s commitment to collective security and to preserving Western-led efforts to curb aggressive actions by Russia in Europe. Source attribution: Norwegian Foreign Ministry.