A Norwegian intelligence report stated that Russia and China are seeking to strengthen their presence in the Svalbard archipelago in the Arctic, in the wake of US-European tensions over Greenland. The head of Norwegian intelligence confirmed that the global order is collapsing, while the Minister of Defense warned of the ambiguity of transatlantic relations. This comes in the context of intensifying competition for strategic positions, amid the weakness of Western unity.

Published on: 07/02/2026 - 07:11 Last updated: 07/02/2026 - 11:22

While the world is preoccupied with Greenland, a Norwegian military intelligence report said Friday that Russia and China are seeking to strengthen their presence in the Norwegian Arctic archipelago of Svalbard.

In the report, which includes an annual threat assessment, the Norwegian intelligence service stated that “from Moscow’s point of view, the strategic location of Svalbard makes it imperative for Russia to maintain a presence there.”

The report pointed to the second largest town on Svalbard, the coal mining settlement of Barentsburg, which is populated almost entirely by Russian citizens.

Read also: Scientific study: The Arctic may be devoid of sea ice in the summer in the early next decade

Moscow's steps to build logistical independence

The report added that “there are indications that the Kremlin is seeking to reduce the dependence of the Barentsburg settlement on the Norwegian infrastructure for supply and transportation,” warning that regular visits by Russian ships to the port of Barentsburg are a deliberate step in this direction.

The report also expected that Beijing would work to strengthen its presence in Svalbard as part of consolidating its role in the Arctic.

He said that the Chinese presence has become more evident in the Arctic. In 2025, five Chinese research ships worked in the Arctic Ocean, compared to three ships in 2024 and one ship in previous years.

The report also noted that tensions between the United States and Europe over Greenland “may serve both Russian and Chinese interests.”

Read also: Washington is moving to create an ambassadorial position for the Arctic, in the midst of competition with Russia and China in the region

Norwegian warnings of the collapse of the global order

The head of the Norwegian intelligence service, Andreas Stensones, said in a press conference that "many of the foundations of Norwegian security face challenges, and we must accept the fact that the world order as we knew it is collapsing."

Norwegian Defense Minister Tore Sandvik said at the conference that “the year 2026 so far is characterized by great uncertainty,” referring in particular to US President Donald Trump’s declared desire to annex Greenland.

Trump's threats to seize control of Greenland last month plunged NATO, of which Norway is a member, into its deepest crisis in years.

"There is no doubt that transatlantic relations have become more volatile," Sandvik said.

At the same press conference, Stinsonis believed that Washington's actions influenced the way Moscow and Beijing thought.

He told reporters that from the point of view of Beijing and Moscow, "the Western unity has begun to fracture, and they see great opportunities to enhance their influence and secure their control over the neighboring regions."

France 24/AFP

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