Norway expels 15 Russian diplomats over intelligence allegations

Russian Embassy in Oslo, Norway. (Photo: Reuters)

On April 13, the Norwegian Foreign Ministry announced that 15 employees of the Russian Embassy in Oslo were persona non grata in Norway and must leave the country immediately.

Russia's TASS news agency quoted the Norwegian Foreign Ministry as saying that the Russian Embassy staff had conducted intelligence activities under diplomatic cover.

Norwegian Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt said the 15 Russian Embassy staff were expelled for carrying out "activities incompatible with diplomatic status."

Norway's foreign minister has made it clear that the country's authorities will not issue visas to Russians suspected of collaborating with Russian special services.

However, she stressed that Russian diplomats are always welcome in Norway and Oslo wants to maintain normal diplomatic relations with Moscow.

Responding to Norway's move, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on April 13 that the country would respond accordingly.

Tensions between Russia and Western countries have increased since Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine.

These countries have expelled many Russian diplomats and imposed a series of sanctions on Moscow.

In response, Russia also expelled many diplomats from these countries.

According to Vietnam+