Russia
Russian anger at Norway's major military investment: "Does not increase security"
Emil Forsberg
Published 2024-07-20 17.39
Now Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova is raging.
- It will not increase Norway's security. It will have the opposite effect, she says.
Norway recently announced that it will carry out a major military investment in northern Norway.
The defense will grow from one to three brigades and many of the soldiers will be stationed in Finnmark and Troms.
The areas will also be reinforced with five frigates, five submarines, anti-aircraft and an artillery battalion.
The news has not been well received in neighboring Russia, which went on the verbal attack on Saturday:
- This proposal has been supported by Western political strategists and local authorities who are concerned that residents do not feel safe, says Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova and continues:
- I would like to note that the militarization of northern Norway will not increase Norway's security. It will have the opposite effect.
In the vicinity of Finnamark is the heavily militarized Kola Peninsula, where Russia has, among other things, placed giant submarines with nuclear weapons.
- We have to deal with a more dangerous and increasingly unpredictable neighbor for many years to come, said Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre when he announced the investment, which is expected to cost SEK 600 billion.
- This plan involves a significant strengthening of all defense branches.
However, Gahr Støre emphasizes that it poses no threat to Russia.
- Norway does not threaten anyone and NATO does not threaten anyone, but we must be able to defend ourselves.
Norwegian military during parade last year. Photo: Mindaugas Kulbis / AP
Inga kommentarer:
Skicka en kommentar