Russian Minister and Governor skip Norway road opening ceremony

Today, Norway’s new bridge on the road to Russia will open for traffic (See video below). The ceremony was supposed to be headed by both the Norwegian and Russian transport ministers.

Maksim Sokolov, however, has not left Moscow after President Vladimir Putin instructed him to cope with the current problems with VIM Airlines “quickly and effectively,” Kremlin informs.

Murmansk based online B-Port on Friday reports that also Governor Marina Kovtun makes a last minute cancellation for her participation on the road opening ceremony to take place on both sides of the Norwegian, Russian border on Friday. 

Over the last few weeks, rumours have spread within Russian media that the Murmansk Governor will be replaced. No such official announcement has yet been made.

The new bridge and a new tunnel on highway E105 is a part of the upgrade between Kirkenes in Norway and Murmansk in Russia.