Main content

How a war has changed a Norwegian town

How once friendly relations between Norway and Russia have frozen in the far north because of a faraway war.

Kirkenes, in the far north-east of Norway, once thrived on its close ties with neighbouring Russia. All that changed after the invasion of Ukraine. Now it鈥檚 become home to Ukrainian refugees and a safe haven for some Russian journalists escaping President Putin鈥檚 media clampdown.

For decades this area popularised the phrase 鈥淗igh North, Low Tension.鈥 Close economic and cultural ties developed with brisk cross-border trade. Hundreds of Russians settled in the town. But now new cross-border restrictions have been imposed and co-operation has ended. The local economy has taken a significant hit and cross-border cultural groups no longer meet. However, despite this being a NATO member, the Norwegian government is keeping the border open. Russian fishing vessels still unload their catch in Kirkenes but are no longer allowed to undergo repairs. The Norwegians have stepped up checks on these Russian boats amid concern of a rise in Russian spying and potential sabotage.

For Assignment, John Murphy travels to Norway鈥檚 Arctic to see how war has changed the town and to ask what鈥檚 next for this unique community.

Presenter: John Murphy
Producer: Alex Last
Production co-ordinator: Gemma Ashman
Series editor: Penny Murphy

(Image: Kirkenes, in the far north-east of Norway. Credit: 大象传媒)

Available now

27 minutes

Last on

Sun 24 Sep 2023 11:32GMT

Broadcasts

  • Thu 21 Sep 2023 01:32GMT
  • Thu 21 Sep 2023 08:32GMT
  • Thu 21 Sep 2023 12:32GMT
  • Thu 21 Sep 2023 19:06GMT
  • Sun 24 Sep 2023 11:32GMT

Download this programme

Subscribe to this programme or download individual episodes