Norway owns a part of Putin's propaganda and censorship machineAndøya, Bardufoss and Setermoen in northern Norway are among the eight new dedicated areas where the United States military could be allowed to build infrastructure to strengthen defense cooperation with the Nordics. The value of the shares owned by the Norwegian Oil Fund has dwindled to less than 5 percent of their former level. But the Norwegians still own shares in 52 Russian companies, among them several leading tech and communications companies. Storskog has become the closest checkpoint for travelers between northern Finland and Russia, but January saw a further drop in crossings by 22 percent compared with December. The 61st Naval Infantry Brigade is believed to have several hundred warriors fighting in Ukraine. Among them is now also the brigade’s priest, Sergei Cherichenko. The diesel-engined Kronshtadt is designed for destruction of enemy ships and infrastructure, and is likely to serve in the Northern Fleet. The ruler in Minsk intends to make the north Russian ports of Murmansk and Arkhangelsk a part of his union state deal with Moscow.Mikhail Avdonin from Arkhangelsk in northern Russia was detained by FSB officers in September 2023. Investigators claim he sneaked into a military unit to set fire to military facilities on instructions from the Freedom of Russia Legion. His parents say that after Mikhail’s arrest the young man was beaten and charged with “attempted terrorist attack” and “preparation for treason”. The Barents Observer spoke with the young man’s parents and also learned about possible provocation by the FSB. Что нового на севере? Послушайте все наши новости за прошлую неделю в одном подкасте.The structure established by Josef Stalin to fight “anti-Soviet elements” is today praised by the security agencies in the heavily militarised Murmansk region. Strong forces in Russia call for the resurrection of the notorious service across the whole country.

Andøya, Bardufoss and Setermoen in northern Norway are among the eight new dedicated areas where the United States military could be allowed to build infrastructure to strengthen defense cooperation with the Nordics.The value of the shares owned by the Norwegian Oil Fund has dwindled to less than 5 percent of their former level. But the Norwegians still own shares in 52 Russian companies, among them several leading tech and communications companies.Storskog has become the closest checkpoint for travelers between northern Finland and Russia, but January saw a further drop in crossings by 22 percent compared with December.The 61st Naval Infantry Brigade is believed to have several hundred warriors fighting in Ukraine. Among them is now also the brigade’s priest, Sergei Cherichenko.The diesel-engined Kronshtadt is designed for destruction of enemy ships and infrastructure, and is likely to serve in the Northern Fleet.The ruler in Minsk intends to make the north Russian ports of Murmansk and Arkhangelsk a part of his union state deal with Moscow.Mikhail Avdonin from Arkhangelsk in northern Russia was detained by FSB officers in September 2023. Investigators claim he sneaked into a military unit to set fire to military facilities on instructions from the Freedom of Russia Legion. His parents say that after Mikhail’s arrest the young man was beaten and charged with “attempted terrorist attack” and “preparation for treason”. The Barents Observer spoke with the young man’s parents and also learned about possible provocation by the FSB.Что нового на севере? Послушайте все наши новости за прошлую неделю в одном подкасте.The structure established by Josef Stalin to fight “anti-Soviet elements” is today praised by the security agencies in the heavily militarised Murmansk region. Strong forces in Russia call for the resurrection of the notorious service across the whole country.