Norway Warns Of Increased Russian Spying In The Arctic After Closing Ports To Russian Vessels

Norway’s security services have warned that Russia is likely to increase its intelligence activity in the country in 2026, with a strong focus on the Arctic region.

Authorities also fear possible sabotage attempts aimed at weakening Norway’s support for Ukraine.

In its annual threat assessment published on Friday, Norway’s Police Security Service (PST) said Russian intelligence agencies are expected to step up operations targeting military sites, allied exercises, and Norwegian activity in the High North and Arctic.

The assessment also highlighted Norway’s continued support for Ukraine as a key area of Russian interest.

Norway, which is Europe’s largest supplier of pipeline gas, has become increasingly concerned about threats to its energy infrastructure.

Security officials believe Russian intelligence agencies could attempt to damage energy assets either through physical attacks or cyber operations.

The report stated that Norway has already expelled several Russian intelligence officers who were operating under diplomatic cover.

Oslo has also closed most of its ports to Russian vessels, limiting Russia’s ability to operate in Norwegian waters.

However, the PST said Russian agencies are expected to adapt by finding new ways to gather information.

Norwegian security services warned that Russia is likely to continue surveillance along the country’s long and rugged coastline.

Civilian vessels may be used to monitor and map critical infrastructure, according to the assessment.

The PST also raised concern over attempts by Russian intelligence services to recruit Ukrainian refugees in Norway for espionage or sabotage.

Refugees with family members or property in Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine were identified as particularly vulnerable.

With around 100,000 Ukrainian refugees currently living in Norway, officials described this as a serious security challenge.

In the Arctic, Norway continues to closely monitor Russian military activity in the North Atlantic and around the Kola Peninsula.

The area is home to Russia’s Northern Fleet and a large part of its second-strike nuclear capability, making it strategically important.

Norwegian military intelligence officials also reported a growing Chinese presence in the Arctic. While China’s military activity remains limited, authorities noted an increase in Chinese research operations.

Five Chinese research vessels operated in the Arctic Ocean in 2025, compared with three in 2024 and one in earlier years.

Most of this activity has remained in the eastern Arctic, with little activity observed further west near Greenland.

The warning comes amid rising concern across Europe over what officials describe as increasing hybrid threats from Russia since the war in Ukraine began. Russia has denied involvement in espionage or sabotage activities.

Late in 2025, NATO’s senior military leadership warned that the alliance must be prepared to respond to such hybrid threats to protect its territory, including in strategically important regions like the Arctic.

Reference: Reuters

Source: Maritime Shipping News