Here we have Norwegian PM Jonas Gahr Støre pushing back against the criticism of his decision to speak directly with Putin. Making it very clear that Norway will put its own national interests first rather than blindly follow political pressure from others. As a direct neighbour of Russia, Norway has shared maritime interests, fisheries to manage, and national security concerns that cannot simply be ignored for the sake of political posturing. Støre said that maintaining communication with Moscow is a matter of practical necessity, not political endorsement. He also delivered a pointed response to Denmark’s Mette Frederiksen, highlighting the EU’s failure to establish a unified approach toward Russia over the past four years. The implication is hard to ignore: it is rather hypocritical to criticize Norway for pursuing direct dialogue when Europe itself has failed to agree on a coherent strategy.