The Norwegian Internal Security Service PST expects Russia to increase espionage in Norway in 2026, focusing on the Arctic region. In addition, the Russian Federation may carry out sabotage.
This was reported by Reuters, citing the PST's annual threat assessment report.
Norway is concerned that Russian intelligence services could attack its energy infrastructure physically and through cyberattacks. The country is a leading supplier of pipeline gas to Europe.
“We expect that in 2026, Russian intelligence services will intensify their activities in Norway, continuing to focus on allied military facilities and exercises, Norway's support for Ukraine, and operations in the High North and the Arctic region,” the report says.
Norway has expelled Russian intelligence officers working under diplomatic cover and closed most of its ports to Russian ships, limiting Moscow's room for maneuver. But security officials say Russian services are expected to adapt.
“They will seek to compensate for lost opportunities… to find other ways to get information,” PST head Beate Gangaas told Reuters.
PST said Russia is likely to continue surveillance along Norway's coast and mapping its critical infrastructure using civilian vessels.