Norway's Defense Minister Calls for Preparedness Against Potential Conflict with Russia

Norway's Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram has urged the country's armed forces to prepare for a possible conflict with Russia following the conclusion of military operations in Ukraine. This was reported by Iltalehti.

"We must be able to respond in a timely manner together with our allies," he said.

According to Gram, Norway should invest in air defense and naval forces. The minister noted that Russia may respond to Finland and Sweden's decision to join NATO.

"We need to understand that this will not end with the war in Ukraine, no matter how much we wish it would. We must be ready when Russia reassesses the situation and relocates its forces in response to Finland and Sweden joining NATO," he stated.

Gram believes Europe must "accept the new reality," as the threat from Russia will not disappear anytime soon. Recent discussions about a potential confrontation with Moscow have taken place in Sweden, the Baltic states, Germany, Great Britain, and Romania, the publication notes.