The Mediterranean is fast becoming another front in Russia's war in Ukraine, with Kyiv reported to have struck Russian shipping and Moscow accelerating its arms buildup in North Africa.

The Russian state always lies in a crisis, and Putin’s regime has shut down the truth-tellers. This inflicts enormous costs on Russians and maybe the rest of us.

The Nordic countries should plough ahead with joint preparations for war with Russia. It makes no sense to wait for allies, and there are immediate steps available.