The Russian Ambassador spoke about attempts to use Svalbard for NATO purposes

Norway and its NATO allies are trying to involve Svalbard "in their military preparations," Russian Ambassador to Oslo Nikolai Korchunov told Izvestia in an interview.

Ice structures: non-regional NATO countries are pulling their forces into the Arctic

The lack of communication between the Russian Federation and the alliance creates a risk of incidents

"We are recording attempts to involve the archipelago in the military preparations of Norway and its NATO allies. We proceed from the fact that the key to maintaining low tension in Svalbard is consistent and comprehensive compliance with all the provisions of the 1920 Svalbard Treaty, primarily Article 9 on the non–use of the archipelago for the purposes of war," the diplomat told Izvestia.

The Russian Ambassador in Oslo stressed that the treaty does not refer to exceptions or reservations related to the participation of signatory countries, including Norway, in any military alliances and the obligations arising from this.

Read more in an exclusive interview with Izvestia:

"Russia is interested in constructive cooperation with Norway in Svalbard"