Norway must brace for conflict with Russia, warns defence minister

Speaking to Iltalehti, Norwegian Defence Minister Bjørn Arild Gram has called for preparing for a possible military conflict with Russia following the war in Ukraine.

"Norway and the defence forces must prepare for a possible conflict," the Norwegian defence minister said.

The country should be able to "react in time and together with allies". According to Gram, Russia is allegedly trying to "retaliate" against Finland and Sweden for joining NATO.

"We must be prepared for Russia to deploy its forces in response to Finland and Sweden joining the Alliance," he stressed.

Earlier, Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said that Russia could attack NATO countries within the next three to five years.

According to him, Russia's military potential in this area has increased significantly and Denmark should accelerate its military investments in anticipation of such a development.