Russia: Norway's Nuclear Cooperation with France Threatens Our National Security

SadaNews - On Saturday, Russia stated that Norway's recent actions "threaten our national security and we will respond appropriately," referring to Norway's joining of the French nuclear deterrence initiative.

The Russian statements were made by its diplomatic mission in Oslo, emphasizing that "Norway's nuclear cooperation with France will not go unanswered."

French President Emmanuel Macron stated last Wednesday that Norway agreed to join France's plans to expand its nuclear umbrella to include European allies, following talks with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre in Paris.

Macron clarified that Norway agreed to join what France calls "advanced nuclear deterrence."

He added that Norway is an important geographical and strategic partner, and that France has already worked closely with it to protect NATO territory from "external threats." Macron noted that this Scandinavian country will provide "significant added value" to this initiative.

The two countries also agreed on a defense charter that includes a mutual assistance clause in the event of an attack. Macron stated that this step comes amid a growing awareness that Europe needs to take greater responsibility for its security.

In early March, Macron announced that France would expand its nuclear umbrella to include European allies, in light of uncertainties surrounding the United States as a security partner.