12 Russians Arrested Since Last Month
High Alert for Possible Drone Attacks on Russian Energy Facilities
[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that it strongly protested to Norway, which has arrested 12 Russian nationals since last month on charges of illegal use of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), and summoned the Norwegian ambassador. Norway responded by insisting that the arrests were lawful. Since the war in Ukraine, Norway, emerging as a major gas producer in Europe amid threats of Russian gas supply cuts, is reportedly concerned about the possibility of attacks on Russian oil facilities.
According to AFP on the 28th (local time), the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a press release that it summoned Roberk Kvil, the Russian ambassador to Norway, and strongly protested regarding the arrests of its nationals. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "The arrests of Russians are politically motivated and have nothing to do with the principles of fair and impartial justice," adding, "The persecution of Russian citizens based on nationality must stop."
Last week, one Russian was sentenced to 90 days in prison on charges of illegal drone use, and over the past few weeks, about 12 Russians have been arrested in Norway for flying drones or filming in prohibited areas. Last month, a Russian disguised as a Brazilian national, who was working as a visiting lecturer at the University of Tromsø in the Norwegian Arctic Circle, was also arrested on espionage charges.
The Norwegian government is resisting, stating that the arrests were lawful measures. The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "Our ambassador had a good opportunity to inform the Russian side about Norway's legislation on sanctions against Russia," and "also reviewed the cases being handled in Norwegian courts with the Russian side."
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Norway, highlighted as a major gas producer in Europe, is concerned about deliberate damage or attacks on gas production facilities by Russia. Norwegian Prime Minister Gar Strøe warned at a press conference held at the end of last month, calling it "the most serious security situation in decades," and said, "As tensions escalate, we are exposed to more threats and espionage activities."
Especially after a suspected deliberate leak incident occurred recently in the Nord Stream gas pipeline passing through the Baltic Sea to Germany from Russia, major European countries have been strengthening their vigilance over energy infrastructure.
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