Torgyls Luther, head of PST in the western region, stated in an interview with the NRK tv station and the Bergens Tidende paper that since the outbreak of the Russian–Ukrainian War in February 2022 **more than 15 Russian embassy staff were expelled due to suspicions of espionage**. "We see that Russia can plan acts of sabotage**. Russian services are active throughout the northern region." Luther besides confirmed the disclosure of respective agents, but refused to uncover circumstantial numbers. He besides suggested that **Russian intelligence activity aims to undermine Norway's global reputation**. "It is apparent that 1 of Russia's objectives is to put us in a negative light, possibly to show that we cannot keep control or support our allies in critical times" - he said.
