In the statement made by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was announced that 15 employees at the Russian Embassy in Oslo were intelligence officers operating under the guise of "diplomatic status", therefore they were declared persona non grata. The decision was taken in response to "the changing security situation in Europe, which has led to an increased threat of intelligence from Russia".

"INCREASED SINCE THE INVASION OF UKRAINE"

Norwegian Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt, at a press conference, said, “15 intelligence officers are engaged in activities incompatible with their diplomatic status. Their activities pose a threat to Norway. It has increased since the invasion of Ukraine''

Huitfeldt stated that the embassy employees in question were instructed to leave the country shortly. Huitfeldt also said that Norway wants to maintain normal diplomatic relations with Russia, Russian diplomats are welcome in Norway.

NATO member Norway borders Russia in the Arctic.