Russia has told Norway its navy and air force will hold exercises near the Nordic nation’s Arctic waters later this month, a worrying sign of greater assertiveness by its eastern neighbor, the Norwegian Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.
NATO member Norway and neighboring Russia have both increased their military presence along NATO's northern flank following the Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014.
"The anticipated Russian maneuvers follow a pattern in which Russia is operating and conducting military activity more frequently and further to the west," Norway said of the planned exercises off the coast of Nordland and Troms counties.
"Russia is acting in an increasingly assertive way in our immediate neighborhood. Norway is worried by this and will closely monitor the exercises," the ministry added in a statement.
Russia's Defense Ministry did not immediately reply to a request for comment.
Last year, Russia said a plan to increase the presence of U.S. Marines in Norway was "clearly unfriendly," and also complained over a NATO exercise that sent some 50,000 NATO soldiers to Norway.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
