Norway intelligence names Russia biggest threat to country
Norwegian intelligence considers Russia the biggest threat to the country (photo: Getty Images)
Russia is the biggest security threat to Norway. President Vladimir Putin believes that his country is in a constant conflict with the West, said Norwegian intelligence chief Nils Andreas Stensønes, VG reports.
According to the publication, speaking at an event titled Hybrid attacks against Norway: Are we at war?, Stensønes said he does not consider the current situation to be equivalent to a state of war.
"However, Russian President Vladimir Putin believes that Russia is in constant conflict with the West. At present, Russia is the greatest threat to Norway," he said.
At the same time, the intelligence chief believes that Russia does not aim to influence this year's elections in Norway.
Russia as a threat to Finland
Finland joined NATO on April 4, 2023. The country openly states that Russia is the main threat to national security, engages in hybrid influence, and will not abandon its aggressive policy.
Amid increased Russian military activity near the borders of Finland and Norway, the United States and Finland conducted joint Arctic exercises. The maneuvers included combat training in forest terrain and skiing drills. Russia is considered the notional adversary in the exercises.
In Helsinki, it is believed that Moscow has about five years to restore capabilities that could pose a direct threat. At the same time, NATO warns that Russia already views the Arctic as a strategic region and may step up pressure on the Alliance after the war against Ukraine ends.
In response, Norway plans to increase defense spending and is considering withdrawing from the Ottawa Treaty, which prohibits the use of anti-personnel mines.
