Norway declared 15 employees of the Russian embassy in Norway undesirable, who were de facto engaged in espionage activities under diplomatic cover.
According to “European Truth”this was announced by the Norwegian Foreign Ministry on April 13.
The agency notes that the activities of these individuals were monitored for a long time.
“The government has decided to declare persona non grata 15 Russian intelligence officers who were operating in Norway under diplomatic cover. These officers must leave the country as soon as possible. Intelligence officers who wish to travel to Norway will not be issued visas,” the Norwegian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. .
Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt noted that the activities of these Russians are incompatible with their diplomatic status, and Norway’s decision is an important step to reduce Russian intelligence activity in the country and protect Norway’s national interests.
She also noted that Russia is now the biggest threat to Norway in terms of intelligence activities.
The minister added that Norway, at the same time, strives to continue to maintain normal diplomatic relations with Russia. “We want Russia to continue to have a properly functioning diplomatic mission in Norway, but we will not tolerate it being abused for undercover intelligence activities,” Huitfeldt said.
Recall that in Finland it was reported that Russian espionage operations in the country weakened after the expulsion of spies and visa restrictions.
Read also: War for the Arctic or energy sabotage: why Russian spies have become more active in Norway
