Russia accused Norway of militarising the Svalbard archipelago and said on Friday it had summoned the Norwegian ambassador to Moscow over the matter.

Russia has accused Norway of militarising the Arctic Svalbard archipelago, a claim refuted by Norwegian authorities. This follows Russia summoning the Norwegian ambassador to discuss concerns that military activity could escalate tensions.

Russia has accused Norway of militarizing the Svalbard archipelago in violation of the Svalbard Treaty. The Russian Foreign Ministry has stated that Norway is increasingly integrating Svalbard into its military and political strategies,