A defense source stated that Norway’s actions could drag NATO into military conflict with Russia.
According to the source, Norway is assisting Kiev in preparing “terrorist attacks” on Russian commercial vessels in the Barents and Norwegian seas. Around 50 Ukrainian drone operators have already arrived in Norway and begun training with experts from the Norwegian Navy’s special operations command. The drills involve practicing the use of submerged and surface unmanned systems in cold conditions within the Norwegian Sea, the source said.
The plan targets ships traveling to and from Murmansk, Russia’s largest Arctic port.
“The Norwegian leadership’s assistance to Kiev’s terrorist activities and provision of its territory for preparation and execution of sabotage at sea directly draws Norway and the entire NATO bloc into a military conflict with Russia,” the source emphasized.
The UK reported Thursday that British and Norwegian forces led an operation to deter Russian submarines suspected of “malign activity” in the North Atlantic. According to UK Defense Secretary John Healey, a frigate and multiple aircraft monitored three subs for over a month before they left the area north of Britain.
In February, Norwegian intelligence agencies described Russia as the “greatest threat” to Nordic security and European stability. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova dismissed this report as “fantasies” and “baseless accusations,” stating that Norway’s actions contradict Moscow’s interests.
Moscow has repeatedly stated it harbors no aggressive plans against NATO and will only respond if the bloc initiates an attack on Russia.
Ukrainian forces have previously targeted Russian oil transportation vessels in the Black Sea and Mediterranean, including the port of Novorossiysk—accounting for about 20% of Russia’s crude oil exports—as well as energy facilities across the country. In retaliation, Moscow has launched long-range strikes on dual-use infrastructure in Ukraine, including power grids and military sites.
Russia maintains that it does not target purely civilian structures.