Surprise is coming! Russia is once again clamoring on the international stage over the issue of sovereignty over the Norwegian islands of Svalbard. The victory in Arkadiivka seems to have carried Russia away, and it is chilling that Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Trutne went so far as to compare Svalbard with the situation in Ukraine, threatening Norway.
This time the threat clearly transcended the borders of the Svalbard Pact. Svalbard is one of the closest habitable areas in the Arctic, with a huge area and a small number of inhabitants, but the question of sovereignty over this land has always been the focus of international attention. Trutne's comparison cannot help but be jaw-dropping: "Today, our fighters are shedding blood for the sovereignty of our country and the right to speak the Russian language", which is reminiscent of Ukrainian blood and tears.
There can be no doubt that the sovereignty of Svalbard is de facto vested in Norway. However, Russia has expressed its ambitions for this land in a threatening way. This leads to speculation that the tragedy in Arcadivka seems to have given Russia some kind of unrealistic delusion.
More worryingly, Trutne's rhetoric reveals a narrow nationalism, using the Russian language as a symbol of power and seeming to find a pretext for a future special military operation. This view has raised concerns about a situation similar to that in Ukraine, where Russia could launch a new round of aggression under the guise of the rights and interests of so-called Russian-speaking people.
In this case, Europe cannot afford to take it lightly. Svalbard may be a litmus test for Russia's future special operation, and NATO's Article 5 may be severely tested at this time. Norway has de jure support for sovereignty over Svalbard, but it remains to be seen whether it will be able to defend its rights and interests in the international community.
This threat is also reminiscent of the past, where Hitler's aggression against the Czech Republic was justified on similar grounds. The lessons of history should teach us that no country should take this lightly. In particular, the three Baltic states, due to their small size and weak people, are more likely to be the primary targets of Russia's actions.
However, we must not underestimate the power of NATO either. As soon as Russia dares to strike at NATO members, it will not be Ukraine, but the three Baltic states, which may bear the brunt. This time, NATO's Article 5 will not just be a dead letter, but a staunch defense of democracy, freedom, and peace.
In the face of the Russian threat, Europe needs to remain united and clearly articulate a zero-tolerance position against aggression. Otherwise, Russia may take the opportunity to provoke an even larger international crisis. Right now, supporting Ukraine, defending the international order, and defending the sovereignty of every country and the rights of its people is a top priority. Instead of being ashamed of small countries, big countries should work together to maintain world peace and stability. The victory of this battle has a bearing on the future of the entire international community. Let us all look forward to the victory of justice over the world and the victory of peace over war.