Norwegian authorities have decided to strengthen their 200-kilometer border with Russia – security will be guarded by a new military brigade and reinforced police units. Fortifications will also be created based on those introduced by the Baltic countries and planned in Poland.
The current plans for protecting the Norwegian border with Russia were prepared after its aggression against the Ukrainian Crimea. According to the authorities in Oslo, however, it is necessary to change them, and actions are to be taken immediately.
The expansion of the installations on the Norwegian border has gained momentum after a wave of migrants trying to enter the territory illegally from Russia. Finland. Tone Vangen from the Norwegian Police Headquarters emphasizes that Oslo has carefully analyzed the situation.
– The experiences of Poland, Finland and the Baltic countries, where groups of migrants tried to illegally cross the border with Russia, forced us to take immediate action – he said in an interview with NRK television.
Norway strengthens border with Russia
Preparations are planned to destroy road infrastructure elements, including bridges, and create minefields. The barrier in the immediate vicinity of the only border crossing with Russia in Storskog will be reinforced.
A decision has been made to organize a second brigade in the Norwegian army, tasked with defending the border region of Finnmark. Drones are to provide constant air surveillance of the border.
Migrants from Russia to Norway
In 2015 Norway struggled with a wave of immigrant groups organized by the Russian side. Since the crossing in Storskog was not accessible to pedestrians, the Russians provided bicycles for those trying to enter Norway. Several thousand attempts to cross the border in this way were recorded at that time.
Main image source: Twitter/Forsvaret_no