Norway in tension with Russia
At the beginning of October, drones were flying over Norwegian and Danish installations. Attempt of intimidation, espionage, the Norwegian authorities took this incident seriously because we learn that the Norwegian police has just arrested a Russian national on its territory.
| Sectors | Gas, Natural Gas |
|---|---|
| Themes | Policy & Geopolitics, Energy Security |
| Countries | Israel, Norway |
A 51 year old Russian man, admits, during his arrest, to have piloted a drone in Norway. The police seize a large amount of photographic equipment, including a drone and several memory cards. However, Norwegian laws prohibit Russian companies or citizens from operating aircraft on their territory.
The accused tells the police that he entered the Scandinavian country through the northern border crossing of Storskog. He was apparently on his way to the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard. Police are seeking a court order to detain the man for a period of four weeks. The Norwegian police security service is also involved in the case.
Police prosecutor Jacob Bergh states in a press release
“Among the seized material that we examined, we saw photos of the Kirkenes airport and photos of the defense force’s Bell helicopter.”
Norway, a strong energy position
Since the last weeks, the Scandinavian country reinforces its alert level. Yes, it is, it observes a number of drones near its oil and gas infrastructures. Moreover, this echoes the September 26 leaks on the Nord Stream gas pipeline in the Baltic Sea.
The Scandinavian country is now the largest gas supplier in Europe. The 8% increase in its own deliveries allows it to land. Indeed, the European Union is significantly reducing the flow of goods from Russia following the invasion of Ukraine.
In the wake of soaring gas prices, the European Commission is proposing a cap on gas prices. The country categorically rejects any idea that risks deeply dividing Europe. He formally rejects any cap on gas prices, saying that this decision will not solve the problem of shortage.
A recurrence
This is the second arrest in a week of a Russian citizen for flying drones in Norway. Indeed, another man was detained for an initial period of two weeks following an arrest. It would have flown over the gas site of Kaarstoe, in the south-west of Norway,
In the Norwegian Arctic, police arrest a Russian-Israeli citizen with two drones in his car. The police are currently studying the data found. She refuses to say whether she suspected the man of espionage.
The Nyhamna gas site, together with Kaarstoe and other Norwegian sites, are among the largest energy export facilities in Europe. Their security is more than essential, especially in the current geopolitical context.
