Russian Troops Withdraw from Norway Border, Marking Significant Decrease Since Ukraine War Commenced

Russian forces have reportedly withdrawn from the Norway border in the Arctic, with Norwegian officials stating that the number of troops is now "20% or less" compared to the start of the Ukraine war. The Chief of Defense of Norway emphasized that NATO poses no threat to Russia, and if Russia believed otherwise, they would have responded differently to Finland's induction into the alliance. The withdrawal comes as Ukraine forces make slow progress in their counteroffensive against Russian battle lines, and NATO countries discuss support for Ukraine and regional defense issues.