Norwegian intelligence agencies warned about possible Russian diversions in 2025.

The Norwegian Intelligence Service (PST) reported that Russia is hiring criminals for diversionary operations and warned that a diversion is expected at facilities in 2025. This is reported by the Norwegian publication NRK, citing data from two national intelligence agencies.

According to the Norwegian Intelligence Service (NIS) and PST, Russian diversionary operations against facilities in Norway are likely in 2025. This is the first warning about such actions from Norwegian intelligence.

The NIS and PST report states that the aim of such actions against facilities in Norway may be to hinder supplies to Ukraine and negatively impact public opinion regarding support for Ukraine.

Moreover, Russian diversionary actions may target arms supplies and critical infrastructure in Norway, the NIS warned. It was noted that in 2024, there were 40 diversions in Europe, which were either timely warned against or executed.

According to the head of NIS, Nils Andreas Stensensen, Russia increasingly views Norway as an unfriendly country of the West and less as a neighbor. He also emphasized that this may be related to Norway's significant assistance to Ukraine.

Stensensen stressed that Russia uses 'proxy actors' – individuals who are criminals and are hired through digital technologies – to carry out diversionary actions. He noted that their training and control are insufficient, which may have unpredictable consequences.

The head of Norwegian intelligence noted that such recruitments often begin openly on the internet and then move to more secure platforms. They are conducted in a digital format, and payment is also made online.

Stensensen also mentioned that the last expansion of Russian activity in Europe was accompanied by fires and vandalism last year. He believes this indicates a focus on deterring and sabotaging Western support for Ukraine.