Zakhrova stated that the Oslo steps could draw Svalbard into the Ukrainian conflict.

The policies of the Norwegian authorities and their allies may draw the Svalbard archipelago into the Ukrainian conflict, stated the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova.

“Irresponsibly disregarding international law, Oslo and its allies are effectively involving the archipelago in the Ukrainian conflict,” she said at a briefing on the Rutube channel of the Russian foreign policy agency.

Zakharova specified that, according to Norwegian media, a satellite tracking station located in Svalbard is being used to gather information for the intelligence and military agencies of the U.S. and Ukraine to support military operations against Russia. According to the official representative, under the guise of so-called sovereignty protection, Svalbard is turning into a testing ground saturated with intelligence-gathering means.

At the same time, she emphasized that Moscow shows readiness for constructive cooperation regarding the archipelago within the framework of the 1920 treaty. Under this agreement, Norway is obliged to prevent the establishment of infrastructure that could be used for military purposes.

Zakharova added that the Russian side is convinced that Oslo's militaristic rhetoric contradicts the goals of ensuring stability and security in the Arctic region.

As reported by IA Regnum, in October 2022, Maria Zakharova noted that the Russian side observes ongoing attempts by Norway to increase its military presence in Svalbard. Additionally, she pointed out the activation of the Norwegian Coast Guard, which is part of the Norwegian Navy, in the area of this archipelago, including in the waters of the Russian settlement of Barentsburg.

In December 2022, Zakharova emphasized that Russia considers the actions of the Norwegian authorities to tighten Russian presence in Svalbard as discriminatory. This statement was made after Oslo made it impossible to conduct scientific research in the area of the archipelago, restricting the movement of the Russian vessel “Dalnie Zelentsy.” The vessel was also prohibited from entering Barentsburg.