Russia Steps Up Intelligence and Sabotage Activities in Norway and the Arctic

Norwegian intelligence agencies are expecting a significant increase in Russian espionage and sabotage activities in Norway and the Arctic region.

This was reported by the Reuters news agency.

According to assessments by Norwegian security services, Moscow could carry out acts of sabotage aimed at undermining Norway’s support for Ukraine. Of particular concern are potential attacks on the country’s energy infrastructure, both physical and cyber.

Norway, an ally of Ukraine and Europe’s largest pipeline gas supplier, is increasingly concerned that Russian intelligence may target critical facilities.

In its annual threat assessment report published Friday, the Norwegian Security Service (PST) said it expects increased Russian intelligence activity in 2026, focusing on allied military installations and exercises, Oslo’s support for Ukraine, and operations in the High North and the Arctic.

Norway has already expelled Russian intelligence officers operating under diplomatic cover and closed most of its ports to Russian ships, limiting Moscow’s capabilities.

However, intelligence services assess that Russian operatives are likely to adapt to the new conditions and seek alternative methods of operation.

Norwegian intelligence also notes that Russia is likely to continue surveillance along Norway’s long and complex coastline and map critical infrastructure using civilian vessels.

It is separately noted that Russian security services are increasingly attempting to recruit Ukrainian refugees in Norway to gather intelligence or carry out sabotage.

Individuals with relatives or property in Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine are considered particularly vulnerable.

With roughly 100,000 Ukrainian refugees currently in Norway, such recruitment attempts pose a “serious problem” for national security.

In the Arctic, Norway continues to closely monitor Russian military activity in the North Atlantic and on the Kola Peninsula, where the Russian Northern Fleet is based and a significant portion of its second-strike nuclear capabilities are concentrated.

Earlier, in January, Militarnyi reported that in Sweden, nuns from 20 churches of the St. Elizabeth Monastery reportedly worked for Russian intelligence and raised funds for Russian occupation forces under the guise of charitable activities.