Norway’s government said on Tuesday that Russia has violated Norwegian airspace three times in 2025, adding that it was unclear if this was deliberate or the result of navigation errors.

The incidents, which lasted between one and four minutes, were the first such violations by Russia in more than a decade, the Norwegian government said in a statement.

Two of the incidents, on April 25 and August 18, took place over the Arctic Barents Sea, while the third, on July 24, was over an uninhabited part of Finnmark, Norway’s northernmost county which shares a border with Russia.

“We can’t determine whether this was done deliberately or whether it was due to navigation errors,” Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere said. “Regardless of the reason, this is not acceptable and we have made that clear to Russian authorities.” 

Norway has established Camp Jomsborg, one of the largest Norwegian military camps abroad, in the forests of southeastern Poland to train Ukrainian soldiers with Norwegian instructors, NRK reported on 15 September.

The camp, built from scratch starting this summer, currently houses hundreds of Norwegian military personnel and has begun receiving its first groups of Ukrainian trainees – experienced combat veterans from the front lines.

The training focuses on realistic combat simulations, with the first module addressing stress management in combat conditions. During one exercise observed by NRK, a camouflaged soldier crouched against a pine tree with wide-open eyes while Ukrainian soldiers around him slapped his cheeks, struggling to make contact. White smoke drifted between the trees as explosions echoed through the forest.

The camp is part of Operation Legio, led by Norway and including all Nordic countries, the Baltic states, and Poland. The operation encompasses both weapons deliveries and soldier training.

According to Brigadier Atle Molde, chief of Operation Legio, this marks the first time Norway has led an international operation abroad.

The exact location of Camp Jomsborg remains classified, but thousands of pine trees have been felled to make room for tents and shooting ranges. Construction equipment operates continuously between tents and containers across the sprawling site.

The training program includes tactics, trench warfare, and extensive drone operations for both surveillance and attacks.

Knowledge exchange flows both ways. Ukrainian instructors provide Norwegian personnel with insights into front-line challenges and emerging battlefield trends.

The Norwegian stress management instructor described the impact of working with Ukrainian soldiers: “You notice there’s a bit more seriousness in the room when you’re teaching soldiers who come straight from the front and have been in sharp combat actions just days before arriving here. You know that what you’re teaching has a direct impact on those guys when they return to battle.”

Camp capacity will vary depending on training type – fewer for specialized courses, more for basic military education. When completed, the facility will accommodate several hundred Ukrainian soldiers.

Moscow, September 12, 2025 — In a recent briefing, Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, has sharply criticized Norway’s involvement in supplying unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to Ukraine, labeling the Scandinavian nation as a “false peacemaker.” This statement comes amid escalating tensions surrounding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the humanitarian implications of military support.

Zakharova’s remarks highlight Norway’s increasing military engagement with Ukraine, particularly through the provision of UAVs. She accused the Norwegian government of supporting what she termed the “neo-Nazi Kiev regime,” referencing the humanitarian program named after Fridtjof Nansen, a Norwegian explorer and humanitarian. According to Zakharova, Norway’s actions are not merely humanitarian but are instead contributing to the militarization of the conflict.

The briefing detailed how Norway has been actively involved in supplying UAVs through various international coalitions and direct tranches to Ukraine. Additionally, Norwegian instructors are reportedly training Ukrainian drone operators, further entrenching Norway’s role in the conflict.

Zakharova expressed outrage over what she perceives as Norway’s selective acknowledgment of the conflict’s impact on civilians. She pointed to the daily drone attacks by Ukrainian forces on civilian targets in Russian regions, particularly in the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) and Luhansk People’s Republic (LPR). The Russian Foreign Ministry emphasized that these attacks have resulted in significant civilian casualties, including children, yet Norway appears to overlook these incidents while celebrating Ukrainian military successes.

The Russian representative also cited specific incidents, such as the August drone strikes on the “Druzhba” pipeline, which disrupted energy supplies to Europe. Zakharova questioned Norway’s moral stance, asking, “Aren’t they bothered that children are dying?” This rhetorical question underscores the Kremlin’s narrative that Norway is prioritizing military support over humanitarian considerations.

Zakharova’s briefing further accused Norway of exploiting the conflict for economic gain, suggesting that the country has transformed into a “business” that profits from war. She criticized the Norwegian government for its investments in Israeli companies involved in the production of military equipment used in conflicts, particularly in Gaza. The contrast between Norway’s military aid to Ukraine and its comparatively meager support for Palestine was highlighted, with Zakharova noting that Norwegian investments in Israeli assets total at least $700 million—seven times the aid provided to Palestine in 2025.

This perceived hypocrisy has led to accusations that Norway’s commitment to international law and humanitarian principles is superficial. Zakharova asserted that the true motivations behind Norway’s actions are rooted in self-interest rather than genuine concern for peace and justice.

As the conflict in Ukraine continues to evolve, the Russian Foreign Ministry’s statements serve as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding international military support. Zakharova concluded her remarks by warning that the UAVs supplied to Ukraine could be used for further acts of violence, particularly against vulnerable populations, including children. She emphasized that countries like Norway, which contribute to Ukraine’s military capabilities, bear responsibility for the consequences of their actions.

The ongoing discourse surrounding Norway’s role in the Ukraine conflict raises critical questions about the balance between military support and humanitarian responsibility, as well as the ethical implications of international involvement in regional conflicts.

OSLO, Norway — In a recent dialogue with Norwegian Foreign Journalist at the NIPS Oslo, Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide addressed the evolving dynamics of Norway’s foreign policy, particularly in relation to Russia and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The conversation highlighted the complexities of international cooperation in fisheries and the implications of geopolitical tensions.

When questioned about Russia’s recent threats of “tit-for-tat” actions against Norway regarding fishing rights, Eide emphasized that while Russia’s behavior has changed since its war in Ukraine, Norway remains committed to maintaining fisheries cooperation. He stated, “Our policy is that Russia’s behavior has changed because they violated the primary rule of international law by invading another country. Since then, our relations have changed.”

Eide underscored that the fisheries agreement is rooted in mutual self-interest, “The fish don’t care about borders.” He explained that sustainable fisheries management requires collaboration between Norway and Russia to ensure the stability of fish stocks in the Arctic. “If either country abandoned the agreement, both would be worse off,” he added, suggesting that the shared economic interests would likely prevail over political tensions.

In response to inquiries by Journalist Nadarajah Sethurupan about the potential for a new relationship with Russia, particularly in light of the U.S. developing its own ties, Eide reiterated Norway’s stance of maintaining limited political contact. He stated, “We will continue to work within the Arctic Council,” emphasizing the importance of resuming collaborative efforts in Arctic governance despite the geopolitical climate.

Eide noted that Norway’s policies would remain consistent, with no new initiatives requiring political-level meetings. “We are not proposing any change, because continuation would require the same government,” he explained, indicating that Norway’s approach is stable and focused on existing frameworks.

The conversation also touched on recent statements from Russian officials, including Ilya Shestakov, head of the Russian Federal Agency for Fisheries, who warned of potential restrictions on Norwegian fishing vessels if Norway does not reconsider its position within a month. Eide acknowledged these threats but maintained that they do not signal an end to cooperation. “We do not interpret their hints as referring to the agreement itself,” he stated.

The minister highlighted that Norway’s actions, including the fishing ban imposed on two Russian companies in July 2025, were in line with international agreements on joint management of aquatic resources. He framed these measures as necessary responses to Russia’s actions, reinforcing Norway’s commitment to uphold international law.

As Norway navigates the complexities of its foreign policy in a changing geopolitical landscape, the emphasis on cooperation in fisheries remains a cornerstone of its strategy. Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide’s insights reflect a commitment to balancing national interests with the realities of international relations, particularly in the Arctic region. While tensions with Russia persist, the shared economic interests in sustainable fisheries may provide a pathway for continued dialogue and collaboration.

Russia’s fisheries agency on Wednesday threatened to block Norwegian fishing vessels from the country’s territorial waters as retaliation for Oslo joining EU sanctions against two Russian fishing companies.

In May, Brussels sanctioned Murman Seafood and Norebo, accusing them of using ships for activities unrelated to fishing, including suspicious movements near NATO exercises, undersea cables and critical infrastructure. Some vessels were also alleged to have links to Russian state-backed surveillance.

Norway, a non-EU member, joined the sanctions in early July, a move that was condemned by both Russia’s Foreign Ministry and Murman Seafood. The Foreign Ministry vowed to respond to the sanctions.

On Wednesday, Russia’s fisheries agency Rosrybolovstvo repeated that threat during an emergency bilateral meeting of the Joint Norwegian-Russian Fisheries Commission.

“If the Norwegian side doesn’t reconsider its position within a month, Russia will close its exclusive economic zone to Norwegian fishing vessels,” Rosrybolovstvo head, Ilya Shestakov, was quoted as saying by the agency.

“In addition, fishing and the allocation of fishing quotas in the open waters of the Barents and Norwegian Seas will be conducted based on Russian national interests,” Shestakov added.

Norway and Russia struck a deal on fishing quotas in the Barents Sea in 1976 despite Cold War tensions. The two neighbors have since renewed the agreement annually for the cod-rich waters.