In the review “Shadow War”, SVT reveals together with NRK, DR and EPN how Russian spy ships have been in Swedish waters in recent years. As well as how several suspected Russian spies are working in Sweden under diplomatic cover.
In a press release from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Russian spokeswoman Maria Zacharova reacts, saying that the review is “coordinated fake news”. She also claims that the reporting on the Russian spies “contradicts the norms of international law and the inviolability of privacy”.
Russia: “The state is behind”
In the statement, Zacharova says that it is clear that the Nordic authorities are behind the “provocation” and that SVT’s reporting causes “irreparable damage” to relations with Russia. And that Russia will “respond strongly to all such provocations.”
Axel Björklund at Uppdrag gränskning is not surprised by the strong reaction.
– It is not particularly surprising. It’s obviously a major review that Russia wishes we hadn’t done. We have applied to Russia via their embassies and have not received an answer, so it is not surprising that they wanted to see what we had to offer and then give their answer, says Axel Björklund.
The reaction came after the first episode and two more episodes are to be published.
– I think this is a response to what we did this week and a way to raise crisis preparedness for the next episode, which in a Swedish context is the biggest of the revelations, says Axel Björklund.