‘We are a threat to Putin’: the small Norwegian news outlet with half its staff on Russia’s wanted list

The official newspaper of the Russian government provided unexpected recognition for a small Norwegian news outlet critical of Vladimir Putin. In May, Rossiyskaya Gazeta listed the Barents Observer among 'leading global media' that reacted to Russia's Sarmat missile test, dubbed 'Satan II' by Nato. This was particularly notable given that the publication had been declared an 'undesirable organisation' by Russia's prosecutor general, and half of its staff journalists are on Russia's wanted list.

Located in the remote Norwegian town of Kirkenes near the Russia border, the Barents Observer is a journalist-owned online newspaper publishing in English and Russian about northern Russia and the Euro-Arctic region. Its editor, Thomas Nilsen, celebrated this recognition: 'We were listed among what the Russian government newspaper itself called 'leading global media'. That was a very good day at the Barents Observer, because it means we had reached into the inner circle of the Kremlin.'

Exiled Journalists Targeted

Kirkenes, a short drive from the Norway-Russia border and Europe's last remaining open Schengen crossing with Russia, has become a refuge for Russians targeted by Putin's regime. Three Barents Observer journalists living in exile in Kirkenes have been added to Russia's wanted list. Denis Zagore, originally from Murmansk, was recently accused of involvement with an 'undesirable' organisation and failing to comply with 'foreign agent' requirements. Officials in Murmansk have filed a motion to detain him in absentia.

Legal Battles and Intimidation

The newspaper's journalists face serious legal consequences. Olesia Krivtsova was sentenced in absentia in July to six years in a penal colony on charges of 'justifying terrorism' and 'discrediting' the Russian army. Last year, news editor Farida Kurbangaleeva was sentenced in absentia to eight years in prison for 'spreading false information' about the Russian army and 'justifying terrorism'. Georgii Chentemirov has also been added to the 'foreign agents' registry and criminally charged.

Despite the threats, the staff maintains a defiant attitude. They've created a 'wanted' wall in their office with pictures from their Russian listings. Nilsen noted a 'dramatic escalation' in pressure but emphasized their determination: 'We maintain that Putin is not a threat to us, we are a threat to him. Free and independent journalism is a threat to any dictatorship.'

Continuing Despite Challenges

Since being labelled a criminal organisation, making it illegal for people in Russia to speak with its journalists, the Barents Observer has adapted its reporting methods. Journalists now use open sources, talk to people crossing the border, monitor flight and shipping radars, and speak to exiled Russians. 'I don't want to say that this is easy. It's getting harder and harder every day. But still possible,' Nilsen said.

The publication now faces a potentially bankrupting legal action in London from Russian billionaire Vitaly Orlov, who co-founded the fishing company Norebo. The complaint centers on five news stories published between 2025 and 2026 about Norebo. Krivtsova, who fled Russia after cutting off her electronic ankle bracelet, remains pragmatic about the dangers: 'It doesn't matter actually for Russian special services where you are. If they want to kill you, if they want to poison you or capture you, they will find you.'