Dmitry Rogozin and Spitsbergen: Igniting the Arctic

... Britain’s Foreign Office convened an international conference on the issue, to which the Norwegians remained demonstratively uninvited. Hence, the Norwegian demarche over Rogozin's visit must have been at least a three-pronged trial to test the strength of Russia's approach to Spitsbergen, to show determination in defending its sovereignty to the electorate, and to confirm its commitment to Russia sanctions imposed by the EU and NATO partners. The Western appeal seems most interesting – should they express solidarity ...