Russia’s Foreign Ministry announced that Moscow would respond in an appropriate manner to Norway’s decision to expel 15 members of the Russian embassy on grounds of being persona non grata. The agency TASS has reported this development, underscoring that the response would be measured and timely in nature.
Speaking on the matter, a spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry affirmed that the Russian Federation intends to provide an answer that aligns with diplomatic norms and reciprocity, while signaling a firm posture in protecting its diplomatic presence abroad. The situation has intensified scrutiny of Russia-Norway relations, with officials in Moscow signaling readiness to engage in further diplomatic dialogue if the circumstances permit.
Former Norwegian Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt indicated Oslo’s preference to rekindle diplomatic ties with Moscow following the expulsion of the Russian diplomats. He noted that Norway would like Moscow to maintain an active diplomatic mission within Norway, a stance reflecting a broader aim to preserve channels of communication and stability between the two nations. In line with this objective, the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that visa issuance to members of Russian intelligence services would be halted, a decision that amplifies the ongoing tension and signals meticulous scrutiny of security considerations on both sides.
On April 13, the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared the 15 Russian embassy staff to be persona non grata and demanded their departure from the country at the earliest opportunity. The report highlighted that Russia now represents what Oslo describes as the greatest intelligence threat to Norway, a claim that has prompted swift diplomatic responses and ongoing discussions about security policy and intelligence cooperation in northern Europe.
Analysts observe that the episode fits within a broader pattern of post-Cold War frictions between Russia and Western states, where expulsions, visa restrictions, and the closure of diplomatic avenues are tools used to signaling displeasure and reassert national sovereignty. The evolving narrative underscores the fragility of diplomatic exchanges and the importance of maintaining open channels to prevent miscommunication and escalation, even as both sides prepare for potential future moves and policy adjustments in response to security concerns and regional stability goals (attribution: TASS, official ministry statements).