The strengthening of Norway's military presence near Russian borders is regarded by Moscow as a security threat. This was stated by presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov.
According to him, this forces Russia to take additional measures to ensure its own security. "This is being handled by our defense ministry, as well as other relevant services," Peskov noted, answering journalists' questions.
Earlier the same day, Russian Ambassador to Oslo Nikolai Korchunov reported the deployment of Norwegian long-range artillery systems near the border. In the border county of Finnmark, four South Korean K9 self-propelled artillery units, capable of firing at ranges up to 40 kilometers, went on combat duty. In the future, it is planned to increase this figure to 120 kilometers.
In addition, another artillery battalion is planned to be created in the northern Norwegian county of Troms. The Northern Fleet and Russia's strategic facilities on the Kola Peninsula will fall within its range.
In recent years, Russia has repeatedly expressed concern over NATO's unprecedented activity near its western borders. The alliance is building up its forces, explaining this as "deterring aggression." The Kremlin has stressed that Moscow threatens no one, but will not ignore actions that could pose a danger to its interests.
Source: RIA Novosti