On February 10, Norwegian General Eirik Kristoffersen declared that Oslo does not rule out the possibility that Russia will launch an attack in the future. However, he emphasized that the goal of this action is not to conquer territory as widely as in Ukraine.
Instead, the Norwegian military is concerned that Russia may wage a local war to protect strategic nuclear assets located in the Arctic region.
Mr. Kristoffersen analyzed that most of Russia's nuclear arsenal - including submarines, ground-launched missiles and aircraft - is concentrated in the Kola peninsula, an area right next to the Norwegian border.
This is the only thing left that they can really use to threaten the US," the commander said.
According to Norway's defense scenario, if a conflict with NATO occurs anywhere, Moscow may feel the need to expand the security buffer zone for this area to ensure counter-attack capabilities.
Besides the military warning, General Kristoffersen also mentioned the situation in the Svalbard Islands. He denied concerns about Russia or China having military intentions here and affirmed that Norwegian intelligence is very well aware of the Arctic situation.
Faced with growing concerns from Oslo, Moscow officials have repeatedly rejected scenarios of an attack on NATO members. Russia affirms that its military operations in the north are only defensive and guarantee sovereignty.
However, Moscow also accused Norway of escalating tensions in the region.
The Russian side believes that Oslo is secretly "militarizing" the Svalbard Islands, going against the provisions of the 1920 treaty on demilitarizing this area.
Russia has also repeatedly warned that Norway's permission for the US to increase its military presence and exercises in the North Pole is a provocative act, forcing Moscow to take corresponding retaliatory measures to ensure security for the Northern Fleet.
Despite escalating tensions, General Kristoffersen said that the two sides still maintained certain communication channels, such as the hotline for rescue and relief in the Barents Sea, to avoid unfortunate misunderstandings that could lead to direct conflict.
