How a war has changed a Norwegian town
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\u2019s become home to Ukrainian refugees and a safe haven for some Russian journalists escaping President Putin\u2019s media clampdown.
For decades this area popularised the phrase \u201cHigh North, Low Tension.\u201d 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\u2019s Arctic to see how war has changed the town and to ask what\u2019s next for this unique community. \n \nPresenter: John Murphy\nProducer: Alex Last\nProduction co-ordinator: Gemma Ashman\nSeries editor: Penny Murphy
(Image: Kirkenes, in the far north-east of Norway. Credit: BBC)