Vladimir Putin masses nuclear fleet just miles from Nato border in 'preparation for war'

Tore Sandvik explained that Oslo has observed heightened weapons development in the region, which hosts Moscow's Northern Fleet and significant portions of its nuclear arsenal.

The defence minister cautioned that President Putin aims to establish complete naval dominance in the Arctic, potentially blocking allied access to crucial maritime passages essential to Western military resupply operations during conflict.

Mr Sandvik told the Telegraph: "Russia is building up on the Kola peninsula ... where one of the largest arsenals of nuclear warheads in the world is located."

The weapons pointed from this location target not just Norway but extend towards Britain, Canada and America, according to the minister.

He explained: "We are the eyes and ears of Nato in this area, and we see that they're testing new weapons, for example hypersonic missiles, and they are testing nuclear-driven torpedoes and nuclear warheads."

Despite suffering approximately one million casualties in Ukraine, Moscow's Northern Fleet remains fully operational and continues expanding.

The defence minister added: "Even though Putin is losing heavily in Ukraine he has lost one million soldiers the Northern Fleet is intact. And they are developing it."

Recent additions include a newly constructed frigate and a multi-purpose submarine completed within the past two years.

The minister highlighted Moscow's strategic focus on two vital Arctic waterways that would prove essential during wartime operations.

Russia seeks dominance over the Bear Gap, the waters separating Norway's mainland from Svalbard, through which Russian vessels must transit to access the Atlantic.

Additionally, Moscow aims to control the GIUK Gap, a naval chokepoint between Greenland, Iceland, and Britain.

Mr Sandvik said: "Putin needs to establish what is called the Bastion defence. He needs to control the Bear Gap to make sure that he can use his submarines and the Northern Fleet. And he wants to deny [Nato] allies access to the GIUK Gap."

The defence minister expressed doubt about Putin's genuine interest in achieving peace, warning that the Arctic could emerge as the primary security arena following any Ukraine settlement.

He added: "Putin is not interested in peace...Putin's plan is not a stable peace with Ukraine. If he can, he will come back."

Recent weeks have witnessed heightened Arctic tensions, with Russian surveillance vessels detected near German naval exercises.

Two Russian spy ships were observed navigating in irregular patterns near weapons testing areas, whilst the cargo vessel SMP Arkhangelsk sailed notably close to exercise zones.

Britain announced enhanced Arctic cooperation with Norway in May to counter Russian regional ambitions.

On Friday, Sir Keir Starmer condemned President Putin’s “ludicrous demands” for Ukrainian land as “a non-starter” as he convened a meeting of the so-called "coalition of the willing".

Sir Keir said allies should step up the provision of weapons as winter approaches and its energy infrastructure remains under threat from attacks by Moscow.

Other measures under consideration include further efforts to cripple Russia’s economy by taking its oil and gas off the global market and seeking ways to use billions in frozen assets to fund Ukraine’s defences.

The Prime Minister also insisted work on “security guarantees” for Kyiv was ongoing following speculation that the focus of the coalition had shifted away from planning for a peacekeeping force to monitor any potential ceasefire.

He added: "Finally, we must keep working on our security guarantees… including the multinational force for Ukraine that would be ready to uphold a future ceasefire."

Sir keir reiterated that the direction of the war in the coming months would be “pivotal" for UK and Nato security, adding: “So we are determined to act now, to dial up the pressure on Putin and finally bring him to the negotiating table in good faith."