Atle Staalesen

Oilmen step up Arctic drilling south of the ice edge

An upcoming well drilling by Equinor is part of a bigger petro-push into Norwegian Arctic waters. Ice maps show that the polar sea-ice this winter stretched almost to the Bear Island.
March 07, 2024

Europe needs unique iron ore from Kirkenes, says Swedish mine developer

But the security situation in the Norwegian-Russian border area might scare away investors, admits Christer Lindquist, CEO of Grangex.
March 06, 2024

Ten days after schedule, two heavy lift carriers arrive in Belokamenka after Arctic voyage from China

The Audax and Pugnax on the 27th of February sailed into the Kola Bay towards Novatek's LNG construction plant.
February 27, 2024

Built to befriend Russia, Barents Cooperation transforms to Nordic front

War and aggression has left regional cooperation with Russia in tatters. The Norwegian government nonetheless continues to nurture hope for a Russian return.
February 27, 2024

The Barents Observer called Nikolai Patrushev and asked him about Navalny. "He sounded a bit anxious," journalist Olesia Krivtsova says

"Hello, this is Olesia Krivtsova from the Barents Observer calling. Can you comment on why they do not release the body of Navalny to his mother?" the reporter asked Russia's top national security chief.
February 24, 2024

"Norway is safe," Jonas Gahr Støre reassures from border to Russia

Amid mounting threats from Moscow, the Norwegian Prime Minister underlines that he sees no immediate Russian threats against Norway. At the same time, he announces new and historic investments in national defense.
February 22, 2024

Six months after arrival to Ura Guba, Novatek's brand new 400 meter long storage tanker is left in the cold

The vessel that was built as logistical hub for Novatek's Arctic LNG operations is haunted by international sanctions and project delays.
February 20, 2024

Aleksei Navalny dies in Arctic prison camp

Russian prison services on Friday reported that the opposition politician died in the remote Arctic prison camp of Kharp.
February 16, 2024

New commander of Russia's 'Kirkenes Brigade' says his marines are fighting NATO

Roman Fyodorov headed the 200th Motorised Rifle Brigade in Pechenga before he recently took over the command of the nearby 61st Naval Infantry Brigade in Sputnik. In late 2023, he was awarded the order Hero of Russia for his participation of the onslaught on Ukraine.
February 15, 2024

Deputy Prime Minister sends warning to Oslo: Russian rights at Svalbard must not be challenged

"Today, our warriors are spilling blood for the sovereignty of our country and the rights of people to speak the Russian language," Yuri Trutnev said in a government commission meeting devoted to the situation on the Norwegian Arctic archipelago.
February 13, 2024

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Atle is journalist and Publisher of the Independent Barents Observer.

In 2002, he founded the Barents Observer. He was editor until 2009 and later worked as journalist and project coordinator for several European cross-border cooperation projects. In late 2015, following a conflict over editorial rights, he re-established the Barents Observer as an independent and non-profit stock company along with the rest of the newspaper crew.  

Atle has a degree in Russian studies from the University of Oslo and studied journalism at the Moscow State University.

atle@thebarentsobserver.com
@atlestaalesen