Russia accuses Norway of militarising Svalbard Arctic islands

Russia has accused Norway of militarizing the Svalbard archipelago and summoned the Norwegian ambassador to Moscow, warning that such actions could escalate tensions in the Arctic region.

Russia has accused Norway of militarizing the Svalbard archipelago, prompting the Russian foreign ministry to summon the Norwegian ambassador to Moscow on Friday. Moscow urged Norway to cease any actions that undermine the legal framework governing the region, warning that such activities could heighten tensions and escalate the potential for conflict in the Arctic.

The Svalbard archipelago, including the largest island, Spitsbergen, is governed by a 1920 treaty that grants Norway sovereignty while allowing citizens of signatory countries to settle without a visa. Although the treaty limits military activities, the islands are not a demilitarized zone.

Norway, a NATO member, is responsible for monitoring a vast area in the North Atlantic, including waters between Svalbard and the mainland, which are critical to Russia's northern fleet and its nuclear submarines. Russia has previously raised concerns about Norway's military presence in the region, with two Russian settlements, Barentsburg and Pyramiden, still existing on the islands, home to about 340 residents.

The Norwegian foreign ministry has yet to respond to Russia’s latest accusations.

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