Norway Closes Access For Russian Trucks And Ships, Joins EU's Sanctions Regime Against Moscow

The Storskog border crossing is the only one between Norway and Russia. (file photo)

Norway says it will close its borders and ports to Russian trucks and ships, joining sanctions imposed by the European Union over Moscow's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.

The Storskog border crossing -- the only one between Norway and Russia -- will be closed for the transport of all goods that are listed on the EU sanctions list, Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt told public broadcaster NRK.

But Russian fishing vessels, which often land their catch at ports in northern Norway, will receive exemptions from sanctions, Huitfeldt said on April 29.

Norway's Arctic Svalbard archipelago, which operates under a 1920s treaty allowing expanded foreign access, will also be exempted, the ministry said.

NATO member Norway is not part of the European Union, but it is included in the Schengen Area -- a zone composed of 26 European countries that have officially abolished border controls between their territories.

Norway and Russia share a 196-kilometer-long border.

Based on reporting by NRK and Reuters