Tensions on Svalbard between Russians and Norwegians | Focus on Europe

The war in Ukraine is heightening tensions between Russians and Norwegians living on Svalbard. A 1920 treaty has so far allowed the populations to live together peacefully.
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#norway #svalbard #ukraine

[@Wraithpaz]

I had to admit that I wondered about this coexistence after listening to Cecilia Blomdahl’s channel - her visits to Pyramiden, Barentsburg, and ghost town Grumant were enlightening. She doesn’t delve into the geopolitics. She taught me that there is no native tribe from Svalbard. Everyone who lives on Svalbard comes from somewhere else in the world, and chooses to be there, so the culture is quite a unique blend. Residents are truly from EVERYWHERE. The Russian Headmistress said what I can only hope are words to live by going forward: “Everyone understands that we are all together on this island. You cannot just leave. You have to somehow find common ground.”

[@lorgabluc]

I do remember so well the video of Cecilia on this subject. To my opinion she is an ambassadeur of the Island ❤

[@maycj]

can you give me a link to her visit to Barentsburg? I can only find videos of her visits in the other ghost towns

[@debamodio5971]

Love Cecilia’s KZbin channel . I stumbled upon it randomly and it educates me on an island I knew nothing about . Tv and social media can be so detrimental but channels like hers are enlightening . I love how they live in Svalbard although I wouldn’t survive in that atmosphere .

[@icecreamsandwichiify]

I love Cecilia and her husbands channel. It's fantastic!

[@brianboudrot7055]

I watch that channel too. Sounds like a little "cold" war going on there. Other than that it's almost like a cold paradise.

[@user-qg9hf2ip2u]

Longyearbyen looks like a Scandinavian town in the Artic, Barentsburg looks like an abandoned Soviet theme park.

[@luzr6613]

Except the mutants and crazy clowns are still in residence.

[@vomm]

Everywhere where Russians are it looks like an industrial wasteland or a nuclear dump

[@elonkraja5530]

At least they have not the lgbt 🤮 flags all over

[@SebHaarfagre]

@@vomm "looks like"? They _are_ (either)

[@quilmesdave]

@@vomm Just, like you say it. The love for the soviets, that some people, that never, ever, left their city, or know nothing, it's awful!

[@Booboonancy]

Svalbard is Norwegian land and people from other nations are guests. At the very least, they need to respect their host country and keep their political provocations in check. If you want a parade, do it in your own country. I think it is extremely disrespectful.

[@norsenomad]

@@gabriel7120 The archipelago was in fact claimed by Norway, after many decades of Norwegian exploration. Norway prepared a proposal for the text of the agreement (so yes, Norway was welcoming). And based on this, international consensus and acceptance was declared by the first nine nations in the Svalbard treaty of 1920, in Paris - and since then, signed by a large number of other countries. Further, Norway has later documented scientifically to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) that Svalbard is part of Norway’s continental shelf, and this is endorsed by UNCLOS. Svalbard is a sovereign territory of the Kingdom of Norway, and Norway practice full jurisdiction of Svalbard. While residency in Svalbard is visa free (but temporary) for international workers, every person will have to follow Norwegian Law. A national's or foreigner's serious violation of the Norwegian laws, lack of means of support for living, or any of the other reasons specified by referred regulation, may be grounds for rejection upon arrival or later exclusion from Svalbard by the Norwegian Sysselmesteren (functioning as both the Governor, Police and SAR service, etc, of Svalbard). Legal based rejections and expulsions are enforced, based on Regulation On Expulsion Of Persons From Svalbard of 1995 (Norwegian: "Forskrift om bortvisning og utvisning av personer fra Svalbard av 1995"). In that sense, on background check, you do need permission while not a visa declaration. So, there's that.

[@donquixote1502]

Of course!

[@Lucas-vd2gx]

@@gabriel7120 International Agreement that they have to abide by.... Funny that Russia chooses which one they want to abide, Budapest Memorandum? Nah

[@tokyo.peking]

@@Lucas-vd2gx Lucas , are you blabber7ng ?

[@vomm]

It's time to throw them out. What are the Norwegians are waiting for?

[@bskec2177]

Norwegians - "Everything is tense and difficult" Russians all directly employed by the Russian government - "Everything is fine and there are no problems."

[@incumbentvinyl9291]

It seems that you didn't even watch the video.

[@bskec2177]

@@incumbentvinyl9291 I watched the whole thing. Could you tell me where you think I went wrong?

[@incumbentvinyl9291]

@@bskec2177 Your quotes are simply false.

[@bskec2177]

@@incumbentvinyl9291 I paraphrased to sum up a general meaning. Those aren't actual quotes from the video. That should have been obvious, comrade.

[@incumbentvinyl9291]

@@bskec2177 Well you failed miserably.

[@jennifercload9390]

I clicked on this because one of my favorite KZbinrs lives on Svalbard. And her videos are amazing to watch. It is such a beautiful place. I would hate to see it ruined

[@Q_QQ_Q]

Cecelia?

[@igranstedt4196]

@@Q_QQ_Qlove her

[@realtrini2007]

@@Q_QQ_Q yep her. i love her and grim.

[@mattyboy59]

Svalbard people will hopefully be sensible enough to become an exclave of mother Ru ☺️🤗

[@Conflictx09]

Shut it tankie, russia can't even take care of its own people@@mattyboy59

[@quain5063]

Went to Longyearbyen this June, truly beautiful place and very Norwegian indeed. Must go there once during your lifetime.

[@hua_tetsu_cat]

*If* they have the money to travel never forget the most important thing. They may have the passport but do they have the money, that's the question

[@alexeystuliy2001]

Also don't forget that people in Longearbyen do not produce anything except may be some sh$t and urine. The whole town being subsidized by Norwegian Government. Cut off all money supplies and you will see....they will all leave in 24 hours. In contrast people in Barentsburg work in mines, so, they bring coal to surface, sell it, and do their livings. These 2 towns are not comparable.

[@Marty22408]

Went there in March, one of my favourite trips ever ❤️ We were not able to get off the boat in Barentsburg, it was still early in the season. I do not understand this BS, rising tensions between ordinary people. Just stop and live your life, focus on your personal stuff.

[@osasunaitor]

I went in May when the ice was starting to melt. Truly unique experience, I was expecting a small and isolated outpost but found a quite vibrant community with people from all around the world working there and visiting the place. One of our guides in Longyearbyen was a Russian girl who had moved away from Russia and even had a husband from USA now, she looked quite happy in Norway and made no mention of any tensions or conflicts in any way. Overall the place looked very calm and peaceful

[@barentsburghotel9857]

@@osasunaitor was the guide's name Maria btw?

[@user-rt5bj3pf9y]

Never in my life i would believe to see Svalbard and tension in a single sentence wow...

[@barrysteven5964]

Watching this took me back to my years studying in the Soviet Union in the 1970s. The Soviet flags and the slogans such as the large one at 4:13 and at the very end, which means "Our Goal Is Communism", are from a different era.

[@Fighting_Fatigue_117]

Damn, thanks for the info!

[@aliancemd]

2:20 Lives in Norway but speaks russian, flies the russian flag on their territory and attacks the government for sanctioning russia…

[@AORD72]

That should equal deportation.

[@joelthorstensson2772]

Except, this isn't Norway. Sure, it's legal Norwegian territory, but any citizen of ANY country can move there without a visa per the 1920 treaty.

[@THOMAS_MHDS]

@@joelthorstensson2772 It's not Norway but legal Norwegian territory..... Read that again. In this context Russians who demonstrate like this should be extradited or whatever one wants to call it. At least that's my strong opinion ofc.

[@kris8263]

Shouldn't be allowed to fly russian flags without norwegian that is higher than it.

[@Snowiestttv]

@@joelthorstensson2772 It's an attack on national security and will only result in instability leading to war.

[@MrBomuch]

Are they trying a special operation in Norway then?

[@la7dfa]

Last year they had some unwanted celebrations and a monument we had to remove in Svalbard (Pyramiden settlement). Nobody wants Russians in their country due to espionage and other bad stuff. They did cut the power supply to the fibre cable to mainland Norway too and they managed to cut the geostationary connections to Hopen and Bear island, so I would be happy if we do not see any Ruzzkies there anymore.

[@rowaystarco]

That would be an attack on NATO, russia would be crushed.

[@abdirahmanahmadalifarah926]

​@@rowaystarco 😂😂😂 Nato would cease to exist 😂😂

[@rowaystarco]

3 months after, and you comment with such a silly response. How would NATO cease to exist? russia can barely fight Ukraine, they don't stand a chance against NATO.@@abdirahmanahmadalifarah926

[@markmd9]

This is a fatal mistake for Norway to accept Russian settlements on their territory. You may consider that town occupied.

[@RTC1655]

It's an very old mistake (agreement), since 1920. Not easy to fix right now.

[@ygreq]

Now Putin might ask legal claim to that territory.

[@stc3145]

@@ygreqCant. Its internationaly recognized Norwegian territory

[@lattehour]

not right now but they will come for it

[@owenb8636]

some Russian will stub his toe and the Russian navy will arrive to save him from the Norwegians

[@neosapienz7885]

I am not sorry to say there is no compromise. The Russians on Norwegian soil need to respect that they are guests of Norway. Russia is 100% wrong on this issue.

[@krosh970]

Russia is the ruler and landlord of the world

[@incumbentvinyl9291]

@@krosh970 Why haven't they taken over Ukraine then?

[@krosh970]

@@incumbentvinyl9291 Everything needs time, just wait)

[@incumbentvinyl9291]

@@krosh970 Why would it need time? Russia's military was within 17km of the center of Kiev within a few days. Why didn't they do what they set out to do then? Why did they retreat from Kiev? Everything doesn't need time. If you know what you're getting into and what you're doing that is. Face it, the war in Ukraine has exposed Russia. Prior to the war, people actually believed that Russia was a superpower. Now they've taken over one sixth of a 3rd world country in just under two years. The fact that most of these areas were already under Russian military control prior to 2022, makes this ''special operation'' even more grim as far as an success is concerned. It's about time you face the facts, my simple friend.

[@majy1735]

Breaking news: Putin has organized a local referendum and the Svalbard residents have "freely" decidedd to join Russia by a landslide 150%. A great victory for democracy ! 😇

[@mark9294]

I wouldn’t put it beyond them

[@Interactive-gp8xf]

Russians are manipulators, every dirt is possible from them ‼️

[@jm9371]

So, Svalbard's population has recently increased by 50% and everyone is totally on board. Sounds plausible.

[@SebHaarfagre]

If they tried to do that that would mean war with Norway. Let them try.

[@incumbentvinyl9291]

I know an Estonian who was in charge of the voting of a county during Soviet times. He decided that he would organize it the communist way, in a farcical manner, and immediately once the ballots opened, he went to his superior's desk with the exact amount of voting tickets equal to the county's population, with the 'right' votes. Support was 100% and turnout was 100%. His superior was dumbfounded, but reversing or questioning it would have caused more trouble than good. Voting was a farce, and everyone knew it. Also, no one could question the vote, as you couldn't say out loud that people weren't patriotic communists. Everyone was a patriotic communist and everything was as planned.

[@talkinghand4839]

What's wrong with Russia. Why can't it be a normal country? Always looking for troubles.

[@AORD72]

Exactly, everybody now hates terrorist Russia.

[@Moosefelt]

Nice try hard. @@davidfranks2164 Decent brain first, then youtube comments after, pls.

[@cloudpoint0]

​@@davidfranks2164 Like how police forces always look for trouble. It's tough job but someone needs to do it and the USA can.

[@ludvigsilva1]

Spoke the American!!! 😂😂

[@EliHaNavi]

@@cloudpoint0 The presumption and assertion that the US is "world police" is one of the roots of problems in current world affairs.

[@urimtefiki226]

Swalbard belongs to Norwey.

[@victorye7150]

Who said so?😂😂😂

[@kristofferdanielsen2704]

@@victorye7150 Their ancestors; the Vikings did. They settled and travelled Svalbard thousands of years before any russian set their feet there.

[@luzr6613]

@@victorye7150 You can look up the Svalbard Treaty of 1920 and the Ratification list from 1925 - that will give you an explicit answer.

[@EasternVikingTradeCompanyJSC]

@@kristofferdanielsen2704 By your distorted logic Sicily belongs to Noreg too, that's BS

[@kristofferdanielsen2704]

@@EasternVikingTradeCompanyJSC If you compare Sicily and Svalbard, an island that lay outside of one of the old epicenters of the roman Empire vs an Island that is directly aligned to the norwegian coast...you're the representative of distorted logic, in every and any regard. On that note; Russia should make the Kola-peninsula open for other nations.

[@georgep.simmonds8636]

Ludicrous that the man from Barentsburg blames the nations imposing sanctions for the island’s struggles, not Putin

[@dalermehndi4663]

It's always projection with them. They have no self awareness, and unfortunately as a nation, it looks like ruzzia will be a cancer on the world for a long time to come because of this.

[@ottomatic3123]

Typical russian.

[@nikedoesthings]

I don't think he is allowed to say anything else if he wants to stay living a calm and peaceful life there. He's speaking publicly but I'm pretty sure if he spoke out against Putin or the war, he'd suddenly be gone the next month.

[@erlint]

The penalty for "spreading misinformation" is up to 20 years. In perspective the penalty for murder is 7.

[@FM-kl7oc]

He's just saying his "opinion" -- which is whatever he has to say not to be arrested and sent to jail back in Russia. If you know anything about jails in Russia, you too would have strong opinions about staying out of jails in Russia.

[@yurilytviak9066]

The words on the wall at the end said “communism is our aim” . Not incidentally….

[@TheFrontyer]

The biggest tension is Norway vs EU due to fishing quotas

[@fredfred2363]

Really interesting. Never knew anything about this place.

[@matth8333]

I got curious a few nights ago in Google Maps and now I'm mildly obsessed with visiting this place. Have a steady IT job that is fine with me working from anywhere...wonder what the internet is like on Svalbard (and if I'd be considered discourteous by using up Arctic Circle internet to reset passwords and sit in Zoom meetings while living in Teams)

[@psy-lion]

Look what happened with Koeniggsberg

[@-ilil-]

Peace is the most natural and wonderful thing.

[@billkingston4402]

Alas the hardest to find

[@Rod732]

Russians don't understand that

[@archie2038]

Endless wars humanity waged for the last 10 000 years tell us otherwise.

[@tomhenry897]

Graveyards full of peace

[@AORD72]

But unattainable when you live next to terrorist Russia.

[@PDXMW1]

Wow, what a wonderful story/production from an unexpected setting. You found thoughtful, reflective people to speak about their experiences, well done. Tolerance and cultural exchanges are happening in the most unique and distant lands. Fascinating.

[@Sleepy1988]

Tolerance and cultural exchanges........and tension amidst the backdrop of a war that has Norway, a longtime NATO country, joining most of the rest of Europe and the US and Canada in opposing Russia. So much tolerance and wonderful cultural exchange!

[@Hjalmar_an_Craite]

​@@Sleepy1988 Well, Russia is not a peaceful country. Never has been, just look at its history. And they haven't changed much. Unless genocide, mass murders, rapes and pillaging is the cultural exchange you're talking about, cause Russians seem to have mastered that after centuries of practicing it on its neighbouring countries.

[@incumbentvinyl9291]

''Tolerance and cultural exchanges are happening in the most unique and distant lands'' That's the opposite of what is happening. Watch the video before commenting.

[@incumbentvinyl9291]

@@Sleepy1988 Norway is a founding member of NATO, they've been there since day one. Just wanted to specify this.

[@CitrouilleCitron]

Thanks for this information !

[@VinyZikss]

Who are the Russians not on tensions with

[@user-tf4lh8oq8u]

With most of the world ..With almost everyone except the West and NATO .)

[@teaburg]

So when will the referendum to become a Russian Republic happen? Out of curiosity what language is being used commonly there between peoples?

[@walther2492]

English and Norwegian. Except for the Russians. They simply refuse to speak any other language.

[@Rai2M]

Notice that norwegians were using english but russians and that ukrainian woman were using their own native languages.

[@SebHaarfagre]

English and Norwegian is mostly used, and if everyone were to speak their native language it would be Norwegian.

[@cactuslietuva]

you should hide from hamas old granny

[@davidrudpedersen5622]

Those russians should be kicked out of Norways territory

[@larsrons7937]

If only that was possible, but it's not. According to the 1920 treaty Svalbard is de-militarized Norwegian sovereign soil, but anyone is allowed to settle there, and extract natural resources freely. russia inherited the town (with now abandoned Pyramiden, bought from Sweden in 1927) from USSR, who bought Barentsburg from Holland in 1932. The town is under the juristiction of russia, the municipality of Murmansk. Unfortunately they can't be kicked out.

[@kosarkosar7683]

Ethical cleansing is the first thought to come from the fascist West. This media interprets the same as during the Second World War in the occupied territories, they have not learned anything.

[@ERSCAUS]

Amen!

[@Q_QQ_Q]

It's Russian territory LoL

[@shodank9590]

@@Q_QQ_Q its not russian territory

[@MrCaptVictor]

Why no Norwegian Flag ?????

[@threesixnine369six]

In Longyearbyen? Because this was probably filmed during or after pride month so a lot of LGBTQ flags will still be up. Throughout the year you will see Norwegian flags here and there, but Norway overall is not one of those flag obsessed countries like Britain, the US, or Russia, so you won’t see that many, however, leading up to the 17th of May, Norwegian flags are absolutely everywhere. Most Norwegians love Norway, it’s even the first line of their national anthem ‘Yes we love this country/ Ja vi elsker dette landet’. They just don’t feel the need to shout it all the time. In the Russian settlement? Because they’re Russians and they tend to have a hard time showing any appreciation or respect for any western country, even when they live free and prosperous lives in western countries.

[@Spacemongerr]

​@@threesixnine369six Korrekt.

[@Thor.Jorgensen]

@@threesixnine369six Incorrect. Pride month is in June. This was filmed in May.

[@madman5042]

Because its Russian land now.

[@threesixnine369six]

@@Thor.Jorgensen early preparations then haha

[@micaeloliveira2727]

Let's make our borders now military on site . Japan has disputes also , Georgia and others even China as a dispute 😅😅

[@incumbentvinyl9291]

What does that mean? Speak English.

[@williewonka6694]

Treaties are started and all treaties end when they are no longer useful.

[@incumbentvinyl9291]

No, treaties are signed. They end when a country or countries resort to conflict.

[@Fighting_Fatigue_117]

They seem like an example of a better way to coexist, although no peace is ever perfect, better that than the best of wars.

[@mli3793]

”People have different views on events” If we would’ve talked about some tax policies I’d get it but when you talk this way about literal massacres of Ukrainian families including children your mind is sick. Don’t let them talk and act like this, kick the ones misbehaving out!

[@Primoriak]

”People have different views on events” If we would’ve talked about some tax policies I’d get it but when you talk this way about literal massacres of Donbass families including children your mind is sick. Don’t let them talk and act like this, kick the ones misbehaving out!

[@honkhonk8009]

@@Primoriak A nonexistent backwater nation that Russia madeup after almost a decade of failed funding? Bruh not even Russia gives af abt any of these satellite states being existent. Yall can stay delusional if yall want. Its part of your psychology, and clearly its working as cope. I think the rest of the world understands that Russia doesnt beleive in words, only actions. Any talk with Russia is an act of futility when talking to yall is like talking to a brick wall lmfao.

[@stardust5548]

@@Primoriak tell me your russian without telling me you russian. Listen buddy we heard about donbass multiply times. Whatever happened there give your country 0 rights to eliminate peaceful ukrainian population. Seeing how your goverment interacts with Iran, Taliban and other scam, makes me question what your people even doing in Europe

[@cactuslietuva]

Bots pretend to care about ukrainian children, how cute

[@mli3793]

?@@cactuslietuva

[@AndrewRoberts11]

Why are the Russian's celebration the 9 April 1940 Socialist conquest of Norway, as surely they know they had bit of a lovers tiff with their Socialists comrades of 20 years, in June 1941, and subsequently the Socialist forces were kicked out of Norway, in May 1945, during that kerfuffle.

[@Alexandra-zp3gr]

Even in one of the most remote and serene places on earth there is no peace. Wherever the Russians go there is strife and conflict. The Ukrainian population has basically all left Barentsburg since the start of the Russian war on Ukraine.

[@nocternbemsi5619]

@@davidfranks2164 ur dad

[@frankmcdonnell1]

@@davidfranks2164there was never peace in them Countries long before the west was involved

[@joeltell8484]

​@@davidfranks2164themselves

[@Stebetto3]

​@@davidfranks2164whataboutism.

[@svanimation8969]

​​@@Stebetto3which shows your place that you are equally Barbarian as them are you should you same Hard words for Americans

[@GunnarLof]

Norway should outlaw coal mining on Svalbard. This would be a punch in the face of Russia.

[@mawthome]

Solution is simple. Kick the ones parading out. Russia doesn't respect treaties anyways.

[@larsrons7937]

Impossible. According to the 1920 treaty all of Svalbard is Norwegian sovereignty, but anyone can settle there and extract natural resources. Apart from Norwegian telephone numbers and postal codes, Barentsburg (bought by USSR from the Dutch in 1932) and the now abandoned Pyramiden (bought by USSR from Sweden in 1927) towns are fully russian, under Murmansk municipality, with russian resposibility and under russian juristiction.

[@mawthome]

@@larsrons7937 so what? Ukraine is a sovereign state and is being invaded by Russia too.

[@larsrons7937]

@@mawthome Indeed, Ukraine is a sovereign state and (illegally) being invaded by russia. Not "too" as russia is not invading Svalbard. But... someone else commits one crime doesn't give others the right to commit a different crime. If I rob a train that doesn't give you any right to rob a bank. Noone can legally kick the russians out of Svalbard. But your country can legally without obtaining any permission settle in Svalbard, and the settlement will be under the juristiction of your country.

[@artelibros]

The US does! (not really)

[@Brendissimo1]

@@larsrons7937 It's not impossible, just diplomatically costly. Norway could always repudiate the treaty, cancel any contracts with the Russian company, and demand they leave within a reasonable time frame, such as a year. States are fully capable of withdrawing from treaties (you may have noticed Russia's withdrawal from numerous arms control treaties), canceling contracts, and even confiscating private property. But it would cause a diplomatic incident, for sure.

[@robertab929]

- Is it a coincidence that "Gremlin" sounds very similar to "Kremlin"? - Of course, not! Kremlin is well-known as a residence of one of the oldest Russian gremlins.

[@infirmux]

"Our goal - Communism!" still written there. Lenin's statue intact. A show with the symbols of a country that killed millions. They just still live is some parallel reality.

[@NorwegianNationalist1]

It's a famous tourist destination, get over yourself. The only ones creating tension here is people like you, us Norwegians and Russians have lived peacefully side by side for over 1000 years in the arctic

[@astamano1274]

@@NorwegianNationalist1 Second Northern War enters the chat

[@astamano1274]

@@NorwegianNationalist1 “over a 1000 years” bruh, the last Russia-Norway conflict was like 300 years ago 😂😂

[@NorwegianNationalist1]

@@astamano1274 We were allied during that war, you probably mistake my country for Sweden. You are just another person who doesn’t know what you are talking about

[@NorwegianNationalist1]

@@astamano1274 There was no conflict 300 years ago, as there has never been any conflict! Not a single war, ever. Our king and prime minister always emphasizes this during diplomatic talks with Russia

[@thedakon]

There’s a joke that goes something like this: A French moved to a Russian town to live, and in a year he started speaking Russian. A Russian also moved to a French town, and in a year the whole town was speaking Russian. So much history in Europe, and still it hasn’t learned a thing from its past with Russia.

[@cactuslietuva]

yeah Russia bad, west good. you get a 🥔

[@jenifferschmitz8618]

how about the english ???

[@a.k._v10]

Russian as a language is more interesting

[@samdherring]

​@@a.k._v10 entirely subjective opinion.

[@Potsgud]

​@@cactuslietuvano west not good but russia defintely not. Starving your own folk comes to mind 😂

[@MBBurchette]

“People have different points of view.” Russia is a deeply sick society.

[@othellox1064]

They are not worse than the west.

[@hiltonwatkins6750]

@@othellox1064 In your opiniion.

[@frstflvr7327]

​@@othellox1064they're obviously worse - I mean who are we kidding here?

[@othellox1064]

@@frstflvr7327 only westerners are kidding themselves

[@AG-lz2gg]

And the West is so great? They just fed both the Armenians and the Kurds to the Turks, all because it’s in their interests and despite the fact both were morally questionable at best. But I’m sure, you have a ‘different point of view’?

[@bendenisereedy7865]

If you go to Pyramiden you can see an abandoned Russian mining town. I'm told there are about half a dozen of them still working on Svalbaard. As in any mining and quarrying business the profit margins depend on the market value of the commodity so it wouldn't take much to close down the other coal mines. Russia is desperate for resources and it has to pay its miners very high wages and allow them three months holidays to persuade them to stay so I guess it wouldn't be too hard to persuade them to leave either.

[@cactuslietuva]

i don't think coal is valuable to Russia. More of strategic value.

[@RafaelW8]

Hope Cecilia is ok

[@victoriarichardson1471]

You cannot get away from the war in the Arctic. How sad. They would work together for tourism. Now they cannot. There should be no military parades for everyone living on the island. Leave politics out of Svalbard. Live together and respect each other.

[@mutkaluikkunen3926]

Can't Norwegians start arranging NATO victory parades with pro-Ukrainian themes? I'm sure the ruzzkies wouldn't mind.

[@eedragonr]

Where did they find those horns?

[@sebastianag2966]

If the positions were reversed, Russia would not waste a second breaking off all agreements and threaten people off the Island. I honestly think we should find legal means to do the same. I don't want these Russians on my territory acting so dispicably as they do.

[@tomparatube6506]

Very well-put, well-reasoned statements. Thanks for pointing it out!

[@MikeOxlong-]

Precisely.

[@Ven0mchik]

Ah yeah look at this 200 iq guy. How many people from other countries lives in Russia how do you think?

[@zi326]

"Legal means" LOL. Kick them out if you want but dont justify it by saying that it was legal.

[@sebastianag2966]

@@zi326 National security is a legitimate argument right now.

[@hybridarmyoffreeworld]

Send Ukrainians everything they need to reclaim -1991 borders. Slava Ukraine ! with Love From Sweden!

[@irvin701]

Yes, nukes would be a game changer for sure!

[@uuekene]

@@irvin701 They have nuclear power station.

[@NeutronexMappingcentral]

Slava russia from sweden

[@TheAndr3nalin]

Zelensky need you as a foot soldier on the front line, pack your things quickly!

[@gilh3947]

​@@NeutronexMappingcentralyou are as much swedish as Vladimir the fascist Putin, trolliloser

[@TheGinslash]

I wonder if Cecilia will talk about it! 😮

[@delonthomas5049]

Peaceful

[@misterETIO]

I hope they stay forever in their dark settlement.

[@squarepinapples9116]

Give them more alcohol, that’ll make everyone happy

[@broadrussia]

I already watched this documentary a few weeks ago

[@incumbentvinyl9291]

Good for you. What else did you do? I'm sure everyone is very interested in knowing!

[@MacDaddy8200]

I would kick out the Russians before they claim its their territory. Russia didnt honor the Budapest memorandum why should Norway honor the deal giving them mining rights.

[@harleyquinn8202]

How's things, Mykola?

[@AORD72]

Exactly, ban Russian visa's as well.

[@astamano1274]

@@harleyquinn8202don’t embarrass yourself Ivan 😂😂

[@harleyquinn8202]

@@astamano1274 Oh, another Mykola. Get warm clothes, it would be cold this winter without electricity.

[@Interactive-gp8xf]

@@harleyquinn8202 how do you know, ruzzki fascist putlerbot 🤮👎🏼

[@jamesewanchook2276]

I'd hate to stuck on a remote island with Ivan. Slava Ukraini! 🇨🇦🇺🇦

[@Rai2M]

What about other common (or even uncommon) russian names?

[@peterpeterpeter6315]

Norwegians should give away some cheap house to polish people. I have a feeling they would love to be stuck on a remota island with Ivan.

[@NorwegianNationalist1]

@@Rai2M Ivan is a pretty common name in Norway too, just ignore racist people like him

[@alekseiloboda2553]

AVE BANDERA

[@eedragonr]

​@@alekseiloboda2553against the russification

[@Nabium]

As a Norwegian these comments are weird to read. They're a little wired, a little tense. Listen, the Soviet Union had these towns in Svalbard all throughout the cold war, it's nothing new for us and it's a peculiarity more than anything else. Let them have their little snowscooter parades, it doesn't make any difference. If we take these things serious, then that's exactly the effect Russia wants - so all you in the comments being so hysterical are just playing into the Russian playbook. Just chill.

[@soton5teve]

02:01 - 02:09 about time there was a seizure of assets.

[@deanseawa]

This is a reposting of the same news video I watched over a month ago.

[@WackadoodleMalarkey]

Wow Skyrim come to life

[@WinteressNavja]

Literally the only normal comment here

[@ksj1526]

The treaty is no longer suitable for the contemporary world and needs to be terminated.

[@Rai2M]

Russia does approve your comment. They do like terminating treaties and agreements.

[@thsimpsonsguy]

Isn't Svalbard a historically Norweigan land, Putin? Wasn't that your reasoning for invading Ukraine?

[@pempelomoyo8055]

Fight! Fight!! FIGHT!!!!!

[@mrcat926]

Russia always feel threatened by everyone

[@esprit101]

Well, if you don't want international sanctions (because it's far more countries than the US), a good starting point would be NOT to invade practically every neighbouring country. See, if a country behaves like it's still the 19th century, it can't play with the other kids anymore.

[@sportszone9159]

Iraq, Libya , Serbia, syria, Vietnam : Hi

[@imtiazakand3174]

U said wrong😂😂😂.usa and west feel threaten by anyone which country is thousand kilometer away from them.russia feel threatened on its door.

[@global.citizens]

​@@sportszone9159this is what dictators like the russian one do They destroy everything

[@nickt2822]

@@sportszone9159 afghanistan, chechnia, georgia, ukraine, poland, chech republic, romania, moldava and so many other countries and territories occupied by russian imperialism. hi

[@MrJonezy541]

Russia trys not to upset their neighbours challenge (Impossible)

[@incumbentvinyl9291]

*tries

[@MrJonezy541]

@@incumbentvinyl9291 Couldn't help yourself, could you?

[@incumbentvinyl9291]

@@MrJonezy541 Excuse me?

[@claudiogonzalez3788]

beware norwegians , the only language that ruzzians understand is the language of the weapons

[@SebHaarfagre]

We know. This island is special, because certain laws were locally implemented to grow the population on the island. Russians are not the only foreigners but the biggest pop is Norwegian and the archipelago is and always has been Norwegian. The oldest continuous border in Europe (using certain criteria) and one of them in the world, is between Norway and Russia in Finnmark. However, it was not Russia when it was demarked, it was a deal done with the Pomors of/and Novgorod. Before Muscovites did a genocide of their pop - several times (under Ivan the Terrible, amongst others)

[@mrboxheadd748]

AND THE LANGUAGE OF AMERICANS UNDERSTAND IS LIES AND WEAPONS

[@michaelsedaa3200]

I am Norwegian. What BS! The Russians are defending themselves and the US is behind the war against them. The countries that are against Russia are most of them like Norway US colonies .

[@Serendip98]

@@SebHaarfagre The times they are a-changing. Time to kick them out by now.

[@JDDC-tq7qm]

​​@@SebHaarfagreNovgorod is Russia you clown

[@phil20_20]

So is this what, "Fortitude" was based on? It's interesting to see there are supporters of the "republics". Dictators always bring tragedy.

[@rowaystarco]

The TV series are inspired by Svalbard and Longyearbyen.

[@winstonmaraj8029]

From Svalbard down through the Baltics onto Ukraine over to Turkey and then across the South Caucasus to the Caspian. Another Iron Curtain to keep ruzzie in their DUMP.

[@freespiritable]

You have Serbia, Greece and Hungary within Europe.

[@freespiritable]

Russia's wingmen

[@cactuslietuva]

If you are from India, you are living in a dump

[@incumbentvinyl9291]

Indeed. They're now protecting their borders from within, just like during communist times. People aren't allowed to leave. Normal countries try to keep foreigners out, not force their people to stay within their borders.

[@incumbentvinyl9291]

@@freespiritable What about them? Are you pretending that Greece and Hungary support Russia? There is exactly one country and one de facto country in Europe that supports Russia. Belarus and Transnistria.

[@DennisTheInternationalMenace]

Russia has no problem breaking treaties, Then the Norwegians should as well!

[@NorwegianNationalist1]

Worry about your own country, we don't want any problems with Russia.

[@JVlk-tw6fs]

@@NorwegianNationalist1 Then you'll repeat Moldova, Georgia and Ukraine fait. They all tried to avoid problems with russia in the beginning and that friendliness was used as a pretext.

[@NorwegianNationalist1]

@@JVlk-tw6fs We aren’t those countries tho, they all have long history of conflicts with Russia. Meanwhile Norway and Russia have shared a landborder for over 1000 years and never had a single war with each other. If we do what America tells us we might have one tho

[@DennisTheInternationalMenace]

@@JVlk-tw6fs Yeah, They aren't those countries bc Norway has a military alliance, Whereas Moldova, Georgia nor Ukraine don't. Sweden and Finland were smart to break neutrality, They saw the writing on the wall.

[@DennisTheInternationalMenace]

@@NorwegianNationalist1 Yeah, It's bc you're in NATO. If you weren't in NATO, I bet they would've came (or atleast tried) for you decades ago! Ether the USSR or Russia. Russia today isn't the same 1,000 years ago. If Russia can back out and break treaties, Then you all should have the same right. BTW, Moldova nor Georgia had long standing conflicts. Atleast Moldova never did.

[@thetalon100]

This looks like a job for Grim, the dog who lives on Svalbard.

[@dsignprinting7156]

So ridiculous!

[@zi326]

One side waving pride flags and the other soviet flags. Guess there is a competition on who can embarrass themselves the most

[@Raishin7]

I was just talking with an airline host who flew to Svalbard regularly in February and commented on this. They downplayed it because people there do what they have to do to survive but uh... Russia is crazy. I knew this would be a problem. They need to get rid of them.

[@Q_QQ_Q]

Or get rid off CIA bots

[@krollpeter]

Putin has spoiled Russia's reputation for decades. It does not matter if Norway kicks them off the island or not. Nobody wants them anymore, anyway. They still defend, they still withstand, but strategically they lost the war since long already. The rest is just a matter of time. I had never thought they are like this, losers.

[@Raishin7]

Lmao, CIA bots. That's a good one, FSB is the one promoting crime with cozy bear and their election interference.

[@Kiki-en9vm]

This is not CIA bot, lead the comment and you will see, no one likes the Russians.

[@madman5042]

​@@vatnikgohome6 month old cia bot account.

[@perkydrop6378]

Don't think the soviet flag helps.

[@jcaam8094]

Russians always needing to make a show of force with their snowmobiles, that parade is such a pathetic attempt to provoke.

[@Meta_was_my_idea]

This is hardly a tension, but I get it based on how tense everything is these days.

[@joakimhausswolff9728]

Then you don't know Scandinavians.

[@atix50]

I've family in Norway. Trust me. There's calls to expell the Russians. There was never 'good' relations there was tolerance for economics. That's done.

[@THOMAS_MHDS]

????!?!

[@NorwegianNationalist1]

@@joakimhausswolff9728 There is no tension on Svalbard, its just media making up lies for clicks

[@aliancemd]

Let Russians parade in your country, as if they conquered it, we'll see how you like it and "it's not tension"

[@Dmitry_IMHO]

3:31 “different understanding of the events… “ whoa 😮 there could only a single understanding of Russian army killing Ukrainian civilians - I bet this lady is not even able to say the word “war”

[@ralphbooger4756]

civillians are killed in any war by all sides involved, the leadership of ukraine chose this war over remaining neutral, free and independent! people understand the events as their opinions are fed to them depending on location, we do not get news anymore... we are fed opinions! very few use their ability to think to form their own... there is no right side here, just wrong!

[@finnjacobsen684]

Old story. I saw this several months ago.

[@incumbentvinyl9291]

That makes it old? What is old to you, greybeard?

[@johndavis8669]

Svalbard founded by an American made the best decision ever to hand it over to Norway, that would later turn into a peaceful place on the planet

[@bradcolby1]

Norway protect your land! We support you 🇳🇴🤝🇺🇸

[@aksbeixhev]

Thanks. We'll keep them at bay with your help. The Artic has become important for both Russia and China and we feel their encroachment in the North.

[@uroboros4260]

Try and we will nuke the place.

[@pluffer96]

And we will to, like last time. 🇳🇴🤝🇬🇧

[@incumbentvinyl9291]

@@aksbeixhev *arctic Newsflash: No one cares about Svalbard, it's not strategically important.

[@incumbentvinyl9291]

@@pluffer96 *too

[@Kartoffelsuppe_m_Wursteinlage]

Sunday is content recycling day.

[@carlosduran7800]

El Gambito Ucraniano (1997-, 2008-, 2014-) pasará a la historia como una cumbre del cinismo y la crueldad

[@coffeenorth]

The last image says: Our goal - communism. Sure, because that is what Russia stands for these days

[@jekyllhirsi1009]

Leftover relic for tourists

[@harambememorialpage]

Russia breaking treaties everyday..

[@brianbradfield1370]

Russia doesnt honor agreements of any kind, time for Norway to cancel the agreement with Russia.

[@ellambon4958]

The tensions in svalbald, exist only in your mind.

[@oinn6216]

Between Norge and Orcland

[@GenirePasaevaTofiyANS]

Scandinavians you went such a long way from being considered barbarians to being one of the calmest and knowledgeable on our planet, but unfortunately your power and anger might boil up don’t let it control you and be ready.

[@SebHaarfagre]

Thank you for that comment... (Edit: not sarcastic I just don't know what else to say. Russians better be careful. They talk about their handicapped bear all the time, they've seen _nothing_ of awakening sleeping dangers)

[@cactuslietuva]

​@@SebHaarfagreRussia is only afraid of LGBT+++++. all else are turds to them

[@realmyka]

They should go to frontline if they believe in it so much

[@NoctLightCloud]

was an embargo of newly emerging conflicts in Europe just lifted? This is the 3rd "new" conflict this week that got reported on. (Armenia, then Kosovo, then this)

[@scottbarker9058]

the more countries around the world completlly free themselves of any & all things 2 doo with russia...the better...bottom line..n0-1 likes an intimidatting-bulley!!! nuff-said.

[@moffig1]

Well said and it really is that simple. Cut any and all ties with Russia as much as possible and have as many sanctions as possible against Russia while delivering as many weapons to Ukraine as possible

[@donaldgeorge3717]

What some call propoganda is truth to others.Everyone has there own truth.

[@ctmjr2012]

Norway, take care of Russia

[@debidaniels2201]

In Alaska the Russians are the same. There are strong communities of them in Delta, near Fairbanks, where they steal and take all the caribou they want whether it’s in season or not. When the police chief was trying to enforce the law they threatened his family. It’s the Russian mafia up there and they rule the land. In wasilla, the Russian mafia runs a child trafficking ring. In Homer, they take whatever numbers of salmon they want, often fishing when there is no opening. They have no respect for any laws at all. I really wish the US would kick them out as well but that is not even being discussed.

[@ViictoryUkraine]

If you have any proof I can contact the FBI for you are you available for police questions? Child trafficking is usually met with life imprisonment.

[@alexeystuliy2001]

You forgot what Anglo-Saxons did with natives in North America.

[@honkhonk8009]

@@alexeystuliy2001 Yeah and the anglos issued formal apologies, paid reparations, and moved on. They couldv easily pointed to the multitude of native atrocities and fueled the fire, but nobody gave af enough to continue an old conflict. If it was Russia, they wouldv been purged, with the genocide being covered up and vehemently denied.

[@incumbentvinyl9291]

@@ViictoryUkraine ''I can contact the FBI for you'' I laughed!

[@incumbentvinyl9291]

@@alexeystuliy2001 What relevance does that hold? Also, don't forget what Russians did with the natives in Asia.

[@kris8263]

There should be a norwegian flag flown in this russian settlement out of respect to the host nation. Instead they fly soviet flag.

[@incumbentvinyl9291]

Sounds like a parallel universe.

[@kungjudicialacademy]

Good

[@jesus2621]

They are looking for the Golden compas

[@LostCanuck192]

Ah yes, russian parade with american snowmobiles and side by sides hahaha

[@Chaldon-hl6yk]

cancel culture is the privilege of the "civilized West"

[@incumbentvinyl9291]

Bombardier, a Canadian company. How could you get that wrong as a Canuck? Lost much? Haha!

[@Agapimo]

Norway must correct their terrible mistake and revoke the treaty as it is indisputably sovereign Norwegian territory and close the door to future risks to peace as the greater interests in the arctic develop.

[@urban1201]

You can't revoke international treaties. It is just the way it works.

[@jekyllhirsi1009]

The treaty is the only reason Norway has control over that land. Norway shouldn't (and can't) abolish it and their current attacks on the treaty are ultimately only harming the people of Longyearbyen (who in my personal experience are the biggest supporters of the treaty)

[@zi326]

@@urban1201 Of course you can. You just stop following the treaty

[@tnndll4294]

Do Russianists get along with anyone? Norweigan? Ukrainian? Polish?

[@pieterveenders9793]

@@urban1201 You can revoke them just fine. Whether it has any consequences, and what consequences depends on the treaty. But it's not a universal rule that once you sign a treaty you can't undo them anymore and are bound by them for eternity. Just look at Russia, they signed the Minsk treaty with Ukraine to not attack them, and clearly they revoked said treaty as well by attacking them anyhow.

[@amparogonzalezalvarez2295]

Pero es confusa, despido a Ukr x no ser prorusos ? Eso es llevar el conflicto a lugares remotos ,donde nadie esta pensando en atacar al vecino ,es vergonzosa esa mujer !!🤢

[@ludvigsilva1]

The arms industry likes this video! 😂

[@alanarodriguez5519]

El plan de Putin desde hace años es el mismo que para Ucrania. Instala residentes por décadas, eligen y controlan puestos politicos representativos, exigen el uso del idioma ruso y sus costumbres, su no acceden acusan de xenofobia y discriminación. Finalmente exigen anexión al territorio de Rusia por la fuerza.

[@stargatis]

😢that’s what’s happening here. Far right weird people are taking over the small town and school governments and demanding very strange things. We have our constitution to protect us but they don’t respect it anymore. Has this all been Putin’s idea, put into the heart of Americans?

[@mikes3905]

The diffrence being, this is area is subjected to article 5.

[@Gerico9008]

I know this story from russian brothers.. the serbs 😃 They play the same game being the poor discriminated.. 😅

[@fdoguerrasanles]

Se te olvida muy convenientemente el golpe de estado del Euromaidán y sus consecuencias.

[@Etendard1708]

Same tactics is used by the Chinese right now. "Ethnostate" concept is so dangerous that it can be weaponize to gaslight the other country.

[@brunocaraballat9293]

I always knew and never doubted that Russia plans to invade Svalbard to retake that territory dependent on Norway; I'm sure of that; I warn you that it will be like this because it has everything calculated once it fulfills its expansion plan.

[@Dmitry_IMHO]

5:18 the paint look fresh 👀 it says - “Our goal is Kommunismus!”