Main image: A view of the A view of the Johan Sverdrup oilfield in the North Sea, January 7, 2020. Carina Johansen/NTB Scanpix/via REUTERS. File photo oilfield in the North Sea, January 7, 2020. Carina Johansen/NTB Scanpix/via REUTERS.
The head of Norwegian intelligence has expressed concern that Russia may resort to sabotaging Norway’s oil and gas infrastructure in response to Western support for Ukraine. Vice Admiral Nils Andreas Stensoenes, head of Norway's Foreign Intelligence Service, stated that the level of threat has increased. Reported by Stratnewsglobal.
Stensones also noted that recent acts of sabotage demonstrate Russia’s expanding capabilities in this area.
Russia, for its part, rejects accusations of involvement in the sabotage, calling them an attempt by the West to intimidate. No comments have yet been received from the Russian embassy in Oslo.
Norwegian intelligence agencies note that this year’s situation is assessed differently than before: Norway’s oil and gas facilities are now considered primary targets for potential attacks. Norway, a major gas supplier to Europe and an important oil exporter, has an extensive underwater infrastructure. Its territory is home to pipelines stretching approximately 9,000 kilometers.
Following the attacks on Nord Stream in September 2022, Norway has intensified security measures, deploying the navy to protect its platforms in the North Sea, but fully safeguarding the vast network of pipelines remains challenging.
