The Russian government included Norway in the list of foreign countries committing unfriendly actions against Russian diplomatic and consular missions abroad.
“We adopted the Russian presidential decree on the application of measures against the unfriendly actions of foreign states,” the statement read.
It added: “The decree stipulates restrictions, up to a complete ban, on the ability of unfriendly countries to hire staff for their embassies, consulates, representative offices of state bodies and state institutions from among persons resident in Russia.”
Norwegian Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt said: “Today’s situation is the result of Russia’s war on Ukraine. Russia can itself choose to end the war.”
“As neighboring countries, we both have an interest in functioning diplomatic relations and channels of contact, not least in difficult times,” Huitfeldt continued.
Last April, Norway expelled 15 Russian diplomats for alleged spying, and Russia responded by ordering out 10 Norwegian diplomats.
