Britain and Norway together want to protect the Arctic from Russia

^{Photo: Wikimedia}
British and Norwegian defense ministers John Healy and Tore Sandvik met on February 20. They discussed a defense agreement aimed at countering Russian threats in the Arctic, Politico reported.

The new agreement aims to strengthen cooperation between the British and Norwegian armed forces, including protecting undersea cables from sabotage, which has become increasingly common since Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. European countries have suspected ships traveling to or from Russian ports of attacking key infrastructure, especially in the Baltic Sea.

During the meeting, Healy stressed that Norway is one of the UK's most important allies.

"As we confront growing threats, strengthen NATO and improve our security in the High North, we are creating a new era of defense cooperation that will bring us closer than ever before," he said.

The British Defense Minister stressed that the country aims to "play a leading role" in ensuring security in Europe. According to him, Britain is ready to show adversaries "that we are united in defending our interests."

The talks between the ministers took place against the backdrop of increased tensions between the United States and Europe over the start of peace talks in Ukraine. So far, neither Ukraine itself nor its European allies have taken part in the peace talks.

US says Europe will not participate in talks to end war

Ukrainians and Russians will be at the negotiating table, with the Americans as mediators, said Trump's special envoy Keith Kellogg.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb responded by saying that there was no way to discuss or negotiate Ukraine, its future, or the European security architecture without Europeans. European leaders will hold an emergency summit on Ukraine in Paris on February 17. The parties plan to hold another summit. Follow “Zamin” news on “Telegram”