Reuters, 13 April 2018 - The latest such deportation by a Western country since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine involves Norway's decision to dismiss 15 Russian embassy staff members who, according to the foreign ministry's statement on Thursday, were intelligence agents working undercover in diplomatic posts.
The decision made by Norway was "another extremely unfriendly step, which will see a response," the Russian embassy in Oslo told Reuters.
The expulsions represent more than a third of the 40 Russian diplomats who are now accredited in Oslo.
Since Moscow began its full-scale assault on Ukraine last year, it is the most recent instance of a Western nation removing Russian ambassadors. Estonia, the Netherlands, and Austria have all kicked out Russian ambassadors so far this year.
In April 2022, Norway also evicted three Russians.
Anniken Huitfeldt, the foreign minister of Norway, stated during a press conference that "their actions pose a threat to Norway."
"We have continuously monitored their activity. Since the invasion of Ukraine, they have grown.
She said that the officers in question had to leave Norway soon.
State-run news outlet TASS quoted the Russian foreign ministry as saying without more explanation that Moscow will retaliate to the expulsions.
In the Arctic, Norway and Russia share a border. Norway is a part of NATO.
The expulsions might make it more difficult to change the head of the Arctic Council, a multinational organization where Arctic countries meet to discuss matters pertaining to the arctic area.
The chair is presently held by Moscow, but Norway is scheduled to take over on May 11 and Oslo has stated that a peaceful handover is a top priority.
It is still too early to judge if the expulsions will have an impact on the Arctic Council's transition, according to Huitfeldt.
According to Huitfeldt, Norway continues to work to keep regular diplomatic ties with Russia, and Russian diplomats are welcomed in the nation.
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