OSLO – In a unique fusion of Russian artistic genius and Norwegian cultural heritage, the Russian Embassy’s historic halls in Oslo last Friday resonated with music and verse, honouring a legend whose first steps to stardom began under the Arctic skies of Svalbard.

The “Winter Musical Salon,” a collaborative event by the Embassy of Russia and the Trust «Arcticugol», paid homage on November 28 to the centenary of Maya Plisetskaya, the iconic prima ballerina of the Bolshoi Theatre, celebrated not just for her art but for her profound and often-overlooked connection to the North.

The programme masterfully wove together threads of Plisetskaya’s life and legacy. Performers Vera Anikyichuk, Svyatoslav Grabovsky, Olga Loran, and Ekaterina Petrova delivered a poignant repertoire of Russian romance and poetry, capturing the passion and resilience that defined the ballerina’s career.

In a graceful nod to the host nation, the evening seamlessly integrated the work of Edvard Grieg. Local Norwegian musicians and singers performed his compositions, a move that underscored the salon’s spirit of mutual appreciation. “Grieg’s music, like Plisetskaya’s dance, speaks to the soul of the North—its vastness, its melancholy, and its beauty,” noted one attending guest.

The narrative of Plisetskaya’s Arctic childhood served as a powerful centrepiece, transforming the event from a simple tribute into a story of shared geography and destiny. It highlighted the role of «Arcticugol»—the Russian state trust operating in Svalbard since the 1930s—not just as an industrial entity, but as a steward of community and culture in the High North, where a future legend once lived.

This Winter Salon continues the Embassy’s series of seasonal cultural gatherings.They offer a space for dialogue through the universal language of art, presenting Russian culture in its depth and humanity.

“The most profound takeaway tonight,” shared a Norwegian cultural attendee, “is remembering that our Arctic region is a place of human stories. To learn that Plisetskaya’s first audience was miners and settlers in Barentsburg adds a rich, common layer to our complex history.”

The evening stood as a testament to the enduring power of cultural diplomacy, celebrating a Russian icon through a lens that resonates deeply with Norway’s own identity, proving that art, rooted in shared landscapes, can create moments of genuine connection and reflection.

(Photos and information from the Russian Embassy Facebook page in Oslo)

Norway and Russia have agreed that this year’s fisheries negotiations will be held in a virtual format from 8 to 12 December.

‘For almost 50 years, Norwegian–Russian fisheries co-operation has ensured sustainable and predictable management of the stocks in the Barents Sea – to the benefit of fishermen from Norway, Russia and other countries. It is in everyone’s interest that this co-operation continues, even in challenging times. Our clear objective is therefore to reach an agreement this year as well,’ said Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy Marianne Sivertsen Næss.

The Joint Norwegian–Russian Fisheries Commission sets and allocates annually  total allowable catches between Norway, Russia and third countries. The Commission also agrees on reciprocal fishing opportunities in each other’s zones and quota exchanges for both shared stocks and national stocks. The stocks of North East Arctic cod, North East Arctic haddock, capelin, Greenland halibut and beaked redfish in the Barents Sea are jointly managed by Norway and Russia. This requires co-operation that ensures rational management of these resources.

‘This year’s process has been more demanding than in previous years, not least due to the geopolitical situation and the listing of two Russian fishing companies. At the same time, both parties have consistently underlined the importance of the fisheries co-operation,’ said the Minister.

OSLO – In a powerful display of transnational remembrance, the Russian Embassy in Norway hosted a solemn commemorative event, marking the dual milestones of the upcoming 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War and the 81st anniversary of the liberation of Northern Norway by the Red Army.

Held on October 28 in the embassy’s historic mansion, the gathering served as a poignant bridge connecting past sacrifices with present-day efforts to preserve their legacy. The event brought together diplomats, volunteers, and compatriots, united by a common mission: to safeguard the historical truth against the tides of oblivion and revisionism.

A Labor of Love: Putting Names to the Fallen

The heart of the event was a deeply personal lecture by compatriot Tatiana Toresen. Alongside her husband, Odd Ingar Toresen, she has dedicated years to a sacred mission: identifying the names of unknown Soviet soldiers who perished on Norwegian soil and finding their living relatives. Their work transforms anonymous casualties back into sons, fathers, and brothers, offering long-awaited closure to families.

This grassroots effort was echoed by volunteers from Northern Norway, who shared their ongoing work to preserve and restore Soviet military cemeteries. These quiet, hallowed grounds are the final resting place for approximately 13,700 Soviet prisoners of war who died during the war. Thanks to persistent bilateral efforts, the identities of over 7,800 of these heroes have been restored, with the painstaking work to identify the remainder continuing at both national and local levels in Russia and Norway.

A Unified Front for Historical Truth

His Excellency N.V. Korchunov, Ambassador of Russia to Norway, addressed the participants, underscoring the enduring significance of the shared victory. He highlighted the continued relevance of a recent address by the leaders of the CIS countries, issued in connection with the 80th anniversary, which celebrates the collective contribution of all former Soviet republics to the defeat of Nazism.

Ambassador Korchunov strongly emphasized the importance of the event’s theme. He welcomed and praised the determination of compatriots and volunteers to “preserve the historical truth and prevent the results of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War from being revised.”

The ceremony stood as a testament to the unwavering commitment to honor the past, ensuring that the immense price paid for peace and freedom in Europe is neither forgotten nor distorted for future generations.

(Photos and information from the Russian Embassy Facebook page in Oslo)

Oslo, October 30, 2025 – Today marks a significant milestone in Norway’s history as we celebrate the 120th anniversary of diplomatic relations with the Russian Federation. This date, October 30, 1905, holds a special place in our national story, as the Russian Empire became the very first great power in Europe to formally recognize the independence of the young Norwegian state, just weeks after the dissolution of the union with Sweden.

This historic recognition was a crucial moment of international support for a newly sovereign Norway. The foundation was laid when Norwegian Prime Minister Christian Michelsen personally reached out to the world’s powers. In a pivotal response, Russian Foreign Minister Vladimir Lamsdorf assured Norway that following the formal dissolution of the union, Russia would move to “start the establishment of diplomatic representation and consular service,” expressly to foster “good-neighborly and friendly relations” between our nations.

A Friendship Forged Over Centuries

The ties between our peoples, however, stretch back far beyond 1905, deep into the Viking Age. Historical records from as early as the 9th century detail vibrant trade and cultural exchanges. Norwegian Vikings journeyed east, serving in the retinues of Russian princes. The spirit of border cooperation was formally established as early as 1251 with a treaty between the Novgorod Republic and Norway.

This long-standing connection was reaffirmed in the 20th century when Norway became the third country in the world to establish diplomatic relations with the new Soviet Union after the 1917 revolution.

A Shared History of Liberation

A profound chapter in our shared history was written in the autumn of 1944. Through the heroic Petsamo-Kirkenes operation, the Soviet Red Army liberated Norway’s northernmost province of Finnmark from Nazi occupation, a sacrifice for which many in the north remain grateful.

The 120th anniversary is a moment to reflect on a complex and multifaceted relationship, rooted in a pivotal gesture of recognition and a history of neighborly interaction that has shaped both our nations for over a millennium.

This article is based on a historical communique from the Russian diplomatic service.

(Information from the Russian Embassy Facebook page in Oslo)

On Oct. 27, Norway’s military intelligence service confirmed that last week, Russia carried out a test of the “Burevestnik” long-range cruise missile, Reuters reports. The Burevestnik is best known for the fact that it is propelled by an on-board nuclear power unit. The launch was carried from the Novaya Zemlya archipelago in the Barents Sea, in the Arctic. Previously, Russia had announced the successful test of the 9M730 Burevestnik — known to NATO as the SSC-X-9 Skyfall — but did not disclose the launch site.

According to the report that Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov delivered to Putin on Oct. 21, the missile flew approximately 14,000 kilometers and remained in the air for roughly 15 hours. This is not Russia’s first attempt to test the Burevestnik. Russia has conducted at least 15 test launches, only two of which U.S. intelligence has assessed as being even partially successful. The previous test took place in 2023. At that time, Putin also declared it a success.

In August 2019, an explosion was recorded at a range near Nyonoksa, close to Severodvinsk in Russia’s Arkhangelsk region. After the blast, radiation levels in the area briefly rose. Local residents described having felt a powerful shock and seen a column of smoke. Seven specialists from Rosatom and the Defense Ministry were killed — five at the scene and two later from acute radiation sickness. Russian authorities officially said the incident involved the explosion of a liquid-fuel rocket engine with a radioisotope power source. But experts including Jeffrey Lewis of the Middlebury Institute of International Studies and Ann Pellegrino of the James Martin Center used satellite imagery and indirect data to conclude that the incident was in fact an accident that occurred during a Burevestnik test. After that disaster, Russia temporarily halted launches.