Comment by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on the expulsion of Russian Embassy staff in Norway

On April 13, 2023, Norwegian officials took yet another provocative and unfriendly step towards our country by declaring 15 employees of the Russian Embassy in Norway persona non grata.  

We consider this decision an intentional escalation of hostile attitudes towards Russia. No specific complaints were presented to the Russian diplomats. Instead, for the past months, Norwegian media outlets have been promoting yet another fake campaign to expose alleged espionage by Russians. There is no doubt that materials planted in the media at the behest of central authorities and intelligence services, and under external influence, are part of a premediated campaign to justify the further deterioration of relations with Russia, which have already hit their lowest point.

Russia-Norway contacts have sustained a serious blow. Norway is reaffirming its status as a country hostile to Russia.  These actions will not go without a harsh response on our part.