Norway has demanded that Russia reduce the number of employees in diplomatic missions in the kingdom. In this regard, by October 17, only two diplomats will remain in the consular section of the embassy.
One of them will continue to work in Svalbard. Due to a shortage of people, the functionality of the local Consulate General will be limited from October 15. In particular, it will cease to hold receptions in Barentsburg, as well as field services in Longyearbyen and Pyramid "until further notice."
In addition, the Consulate General of Russia in Kirkenes will stop working. Reception and on-site services for citizens will also stop from October 14 “until further notice”. It will be possible to apply for a Russian visa only through the visa application centre in the city.
It is not reported what caused Norway's demand to reduce the diplomatic staff. The embassy itself noted that they are taking measures to maintain consular reception for all types of services without canceling applications from citizens who plan to visit in the near future. At the same time, they warned that the possibilities of the consular department for organizing field receptions and home services will be limited. In this regard, citizens are advised to apply in advance for the replacement of foreign passports and use the services of Norwegian notaries to process certain documents, such as power of attorney.
At the end of September, it became known that the Norwegian government is considering the possibility of building a fence on the 198-kilometer border with Russia, which will serve as a deterrent against possible provocations, including using illegal migrants. Currently, there is a physical barrier only at 200 meters of the Norwegian-Russian border. It was created after the influx of refugees in 2015, when 5,000 people came to the checkpoint in Sturskug to apply for asylum.
In April 2023, Norway expelled 15 Russian diplomats and staff of the military attache's office. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs considered that these individuals conducted intelligence and other activities incompatible with their stated status. In response, Russia expelled 10 Norwegian diplomats.
On May 29, 2024, Norway closed the border for Russians with tourist Schengen visas and stopped allowing them into the country even for transit purposes. In August, representatives of the kingdom's special services warned that Moscow might “consider it appropriate” to carry out sabotage in Norway, the main purpose of which would be the oil sector.
Earlier, Bulgaria expelled more Russian diplomats than any other country - 83. A significant number of diplomats were expelled from Poland (45), Germany (40), Slovakia and France (35 each), Slovenia (33), Italy (30), and the United States (28). A total of 29 European countries, as well as the United States and Japan, have taken unfriendly actions against Russian diplomats. 19 employees of the Permanent Mission of Russia to the European Union were also expelled.
Source: The Consulate General of Russia in Svalbard and TASS.
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