Norway's government announced on Thursday that it would expel 15 Russian embassy officials, whom they claim are intelligence officers operating undercover as

diplomats. The foreign ministry stated that the decision was a response to the "changed security situation in Europe" which poses an "increased intelligence threat from Russia." The expelled officials are required to leave Norway promptly.

Norway shares a border with Russia in the Arctic and is a member of the NATO military alliance. The Norwegian foreign minister, Anniken Huitfeldt, called the expulsion an essential step in "countering and reducing the level of Russian intelligence activity in Norway" and securing the country's national interests.

The Russian embassy in Oslo has not issued a response to the decision at this time.

This is not the first time Norway has expelled Russian diplomats over security concerns. In 2018, the country expelled one diplomat in response to the nerve agent attack on a former Russian spy in the United Kingdom. Similarly, Norway expelled two Russian diplomats in 2015, which the Norwegian government alleged were involved in espionage.

The decision to expel the 15 embassy officials comes amid increased tensions between Russia and Western countries. In recent years, numerous countries have accused Russia of engaging in a range of destabilizing activities, including election interference, cyberattacks, and assassinations.

Norway is not the only country to have taken action against Russian diplomats recently. In March 2021, the Czech Republic expelled 18 Russian diplomats after accusing Russian intelligence of being involved in a 2014 explosion at an ammunition depot. In response, Russia expelled 20 Czech diplomats.

In addition, the United States expelled 10 Russian diplomats in April 2021 over alleged election interference and cyberattacks. Russia retaliated by expelling 10 US diplomats and banning some US officials from entering the country.

The escalating tensions between Russia and other countries have led to concerns about a renewed Cold War. Some experts have warned that the current situation could lead to a dangerous arms race, increased military posturing, and even the possibility of a direct military conflict.

It remains to be seen how Russia will respond to Norway's decision to expel 15 embassy officials. However, it is likely that the move will further strain relations between the two countries and increase tensions in the region. Photo by GAD, Wikimedia commons.