Norway plans to increase its military expenses by 600 billion crowns ($ 56 billion) by 2036. In this way, according to the government, the country is going to strengthen its protection against "Russia and other security threats", Reuters writes.
"This plan is a historical increase in defense costs and implies a significant strengthening of all types of armed forces," Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gar Stere told reporters.
The government document states that Norway should be expected that for many years it will live with a more dangerous and unpredictable Russia. It also emphasizes that relations with Moscow for a long time will largely determine the security and defense policy of the Scandinavian country.
The Ukrainian conflict has significantly influenced the discussion of military expenditures in Oslo, provoking disputes on how to protect themselves from the potential "Russian aggression". At the same time, Norway never fought with her oriental neighbor, emphasizes Reuters.
