The norway's policy in the context of the Russia's special military operation in Ukraine

Abstract

The article examines Norway's policy in terms of the special military operation of the Russian Federation in Ukraine (SMO). The author analyses the official position of the Kingdom of Norway on this issue, documents regulating its actions, materials in the media and public polls. Norway is not a member of the EU, therefore it joins sanctions against Russia by decision of its own authorities. Almost all of them coincide, but on some issues (for example, fishing) Norway takes an independent position. The most significant issues for Norwegians are humanitarian and military assistance to Ukraine, as well as anti-Russian sanctions and their consequences. This is reflected in the actions of the Storting, the media, as well as the policy documents of leading political parties. The SMO evokes a negative reaction of all leading political actors in Norway, but at the same time there are differences in the possible ways out of the crisis. Also, not all Norwegian politicians consider it necessary to provide assistance to Ukraine in current volumes. This topic arises in the context of military supplies due to the risk of undermining own defense capability, as well as the threat that it may be recognised as a military participant in the conflict. Measures that influence the domestic life of the Kingdom are also discussed in detail. This includes the reception of refugees and their social security in Norway, as well as sanctions that harm the work of businesses that had connections with Russia.