Speaking at a security conference in Tromsø, northern Norway, Støre urged Washington, Moscow and Beijing to return to negotiations. His remarks come as Norway, Poland and other NATO countries bordering Russia discuss how to deter Moscow from renewed aggression if a ceasefire or peace deal is reached in Ukraine. Norway shares a long Arctic border with Russia, just a few hundred kilometers from key Russian naval and nuclear bases. Støre said he does not see an imminent threat of conflict, noting that Russia remains heavily engaged in Ukraine. “We don’t see an imminent threat, partly because Russia is now bogged down in Ukraine,” he said, adding that relations have changed dramatically since Moscow’s full-scale invasion. Asked whether a ceasefire in Ukraine could free up Russian resources for the Arctic, Støre stressed the need for vigilance and coordination among allies. The Norwegian leader also voiced alarm at the expiration of New START, emphasizing that while European countries worry about Russia’s tactical nuclear weapons, most intercontinental ballistic missiles remain aimed at the United States. He recalled reminding former U.S. President Donald Trump of that fact during a conversation. Despite striking a measured tone, Støre announced that Norway would raise defense spending to 3.5 percent of GDP this year, underlining that the era of Arctic exceptionalism and peaceful cooperation with Russia is, for now, over. TVP World’s News Director, Adam Jasser, is in Tromsø, Norway.