UK, Norway to Enhance Arctic Security to Counter Russian Threats

The United Kingdom and Norway have begun discussions on a defence deal aimed at strengthening security in the Arctic and deterring threats from Russia, Politico reports.  

British Defence Secretary John Healey met with his Norwegian counterpart, Tore Onshuus Sandvik, at the Norwegian Joint Headquarters, a strategic military facility located inside a mountain near the Arctic Circle city of Bode.  

The agreement will provide for closer coordination between the armed forces of the two countries, including measures to protect submarine cables from possible sabotage. Since the outbreak of a full-scale war in Ukraine in 2022, some ships travelling to Russian ports have been suspected of damaging critical European infrastructure, particularly in the Baltic Sea.  

‘Norway remains a key ally of the UK. We are entering a new phase in our defence partnership that will bring us even closer as we tackle growing threats, strengthen NATO and enhance security in the High North,’ Healy said.  

He also stressed that the UK remains committed to strengthening European security, defending its strategic interests and showing adversaries ‘our unity and determination to stand our ground’.  

Gilli's statement came amid rising tensions between the US and European countries over peace talks on Ukraine.  

Meanwhile, on the eve of diplomatic meetings in Saudi Arabia, the head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, Kirill Dmitriev, said that Moscow hopes to see American oil companies return to the country and expressed interest in cooperating with the United States on projects in the Arctic.