Russian Artem Kureev, associated with the FSB for many years, under the fictitious name “Artem Palmetti” participated in the preparation of the Arctic 2050 seminar at Nord University, the publication says. He acted as a guest expert, while his real name and connections with Russian structures were carefully hidden. It is noted that he specialized in attracting Western scientists to a positive attitude towards the aggressor country of Russia.
Kureev used the seminar to promote the Kremlin's narrative at a time when Moscow was trying to create an image of a “constructive partner” in the Arctic Council and divert attention from its own military activity in the region. NRK has obtained Western intelligence documents containing correspondence, visa documents and materials indicating his systematic work in the interests of the FSB.
Nord University confirmed that there was indeed correspondence with Kureeyev and his intermediaries, but no one knew about his real identity. After the seminar, he also helped distribute materials about the event to the Norwegian media, although it did not attract widespread attention.
Kureev himself explained to NRK that his team was hired by the Russian business school Skolkovo to help with video filming and organizing the seminar in Buda. Skolkovo and Nord University worked together on a report before the Arctic workshop, he said. Kureev also confirmed that he used a fictitious name because it is supposedly “better remembered.”
NRK provides a number of documents relating to Kureev’s activities. Thus, the verdict of the Estonian court in 2022 states that he was a leading FSB agent since 2009. His alleged resume states that between 2005 and 2015 he worked in “various departments” of the FSB. It also states that his area of competence is attracting foreign experts, students and scientists to study in Russia or write articles about Russia, and that he has been doing this since 2015. In 2023, he became editor of the Russian website “African Initiative”, which promotes Russian experience, trade and partnerships in African countries. The EU and UK believe that this work is disinformation in Africa for the benefit of the FSB, and last year they imposed sanctions on it.
Norwegian intelligence agencies warn that Russia is actively seeking vulnerable platforms to spread its messages and influence public debate.
