NORWAY is set to build thousands of bomb shelters as they prepare for the “worst-case scenario” amid fears of a Russian war with Nato.
The Norwegian government say the creation of safety bunkers in all new large-scale buildings is being done to counter the huge amount of “uncertainty” plaguing Europe around Vladimir Putin‘s next move.
ReutersSoldiers patrol around Norway as fears of a Russian war with Nato loom[/caption]
Norweigan TravelNorway has stopped producing bunkers since 1998 but a number still remain across the country[/caption]
GettyThe decision to build new bomb shelters comes as Ukraine continues to fight with Russia[/caption]
It has been almost three years since Vlad ordered his troops to illegally invade Ukraine and plunge the continent into chaos.
Ever since the strongly condemned power play from the ageing despot, Putin has continued to launch scathing attacks on all those who defend Ukraine.
This has dragged Nato into the conflict amid several chilling threats of an escalation of war if they continue to arm and fund Russia’s enemies.
Now Norway, who hold a border with Ukraine, are fearing Vlad’s reign of tyranny will not stop after he claims his first country.
With the bloodthirsty dictator believed to want to take more nations if he is victorious in Ukraine as he looks to rule over Europe with an iron fist.
Norway shares a more than 120 mile border with Russia in the Arctic Circle.
They are also a founding member of Nato since joining in 1949.
Any attack of them will prompt a swift and immediate response from the remaining members of the European alliance to ensure their safety.
In light of Russia’s continued aggression in Ukraine, Norway’s government has been planning to bolster up their safety measures.
They spoke about over 100 methods to help reassure civil preparedness on January 10, in a crunch talk on national security.
One of these is a plan to reintroduce an obligation to build bomb shelters in new buildings.
The practice was a common priority for years before it was stopped in 1998.
Norwegian Minister of Justice and Public Security Emilie Enger Mehl revealed the calls for additional shelter is due to the looming threat of being attacked in the future.
He told public broadcaster NRK: “There’s more uncertainty around us.
“We must take care of the civilian population, in case of a ‘worst-case scenario’ with war or armed attack.
“Going forward, we must prepare for a new era.”
The potential new legislation will apply to any building complex larger than 1,000 square meters.
Two separate shelters are set to be created with one protecting people from chemical or radioactive weaponry.
Getty – ContributorNorway has hosted Nato training exercises in the past[/caption]
Norway, who hold a border with Ukraine, are fearing Vlad’s reign of tyranny will not stop after he claims his first countrySPUTNIK
The other will be mainly used to guard against more conventional weapons and be similar to what was used decades ago.
These could be repurposed from subway stations or parking garages.
Mehl added: “Russia’s willingness to use military force to achieve political goals shows that Norway will likely have to deal with an unpredictable and risk-averse neighbour for a long time to come.”
Despite a future conflict being the main reason for the bunker plans, they are also going to act as fallback plans in the case or extreme weather events or even another pandemic.
The government plans will need to be passed through parliament if they are to go ahead.
Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia are also set to bolster up their defence systems over similar fears.
NATO’S WAR PREPARATIONS
The head of Nato, Mark Rutte, has warned the alliance must gear up for war or its members will flounder in the face of Russian aggression.
The secretary general harked back to the Cold War days when countries cranked up defence spending to over three per cent of GDP.
It comes as analysts have told The Sun that Nato is not ready for a brutal Arctic war with Putin.
Despite an influx of Nato drills in the region, troops will struggle to survive war in the freezing wilderness, they claim.
The Arctic security experts at the Centre for European Policy Analysis warned Russia is already “up to no good” in the region and that China must also “be kept in check”.
In November’s latest Arctic drills, 3,600 soldiers from the US, Sweden, the UK, France and other Nato members conducted live fire drills in preparation for war.
Colonel Janne Makitalo, director of the Dynamic Front 25 drills, said the main goal was to prepare troops for harsh Arctic conditions – now that Norway, Sweden and Finland are all Nato members.
He told reporters at the time: “This sends a message that we are able to train together and we are developing our assets.”
Joel Linnainmaki, a researcher at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs, said the drills were a message for Russia.
He said: “These Nato exercises are increasingly intended to show other countries, in this case especially Russia of course, that the alliance is united and is capable of defending its members.”
It comes as reports claim Russia is set to deploy Oreshnik hypersonic missiles capable of carrying nukes at Nato’s doorstep in Belarus.
RedditNato troops have been preparing out in the Arctic in recent months[/caption]
RexNato chief Mark Rutte has warned the alliance must gear up for war in the face of Russia[/caption]
