MOSCOW, Russia (TEH) – Norway finds itself newly included in Russia’s list of ‘unfriendly’ foreign nations, a move which signals escalating diplomatic tensions and restrictions between the two countries. This development was officially announced by the press service of the Russian Cabinet of Ministers.
Alongside the listing of nations, the government-approved index also designates the number of individuals residing within Russia’s territory that these unfriendly nations can hire for their diplomatic missions, consular offices, and state bodies. Under the new directive, Norway faces a hiring limit of 27 individuals.
Earlier this year in April, Norway made headlines when it ordered the expulsion of 15 members of the Russian embassy and military attaché’s office, citing an intent to “diminish unwanted intelligence activities.” The Russian authorities swiftly retaliated by declaring ten representatives of the Norwegian Embassy as personae non gratae.
Prior to Norway, the Russian government had imposed similar hiring restrictions on the diplomatic missions of several countries, including Greece, Denmark, Slovenia, Croatia, and Slovakia in July 2022, and the United States and the Czech Republic in May 2021. These restrictions were implemented as per President Vladimir Putin’s decree “On the application of measures of influence (counteraction) to unfriendly actions of foreign states.” The directive, signed on April 23, 2021, aims to impede the hiring capabilities of unfriendly countries from Russia’s populace for their embassies, consulates, and state institutions, up to a complete prohibition.
This latest development is another milestone in the unfolding narrative of Russia’s diplomatic strain with Western nations, generating new questions about global stability and future collaboration. The ongoing interplay of diplomatic manoeuvres underscores the intensifying tensions between Russia and a growing list of Western countries. As this complex geopolitical drama continues to evolve, the international community closely watches the potential ramifications for Russia’s global relationships.
