Different approaches to relations with Russia are coming to the fore in Europe again. At a time when Western European leaders avoid contacts with Moscow and lean on Washington’s position on security matters, Finnish President Alexander Stubb has called on the region to pursue a more independent and pragmatic policy. He described Russian President Vladimir Putin’s behaviour during negotiations in positive terms and stressed the importance of European countries establishing direct dialogue with Moscow.
According to Stubb, Europe cannot keep its security dependent solely on the United States and, given geographic realities, must be able to talk to Russia. The statements have revived discussion about Europe’s future security architecture, transatlantic relations and the prospects for dialogue with Moscow.
Speaking to Globalinfo.az, political analyst Asif Narimanli said the view that confrontation with Russia in Europe creates risks for regional security has begun to come to the fore against the backdrop of Donald Trump’s arrival in power in the US and his desire to strike a deal with Putin:
“The war in Ukraine directly threatens Europe’s security. Before this war began, France and Germany tried to reach an agreement with Russia but achieved no result. After the war started, the US and Europe acted as a united front, but Trump is pursuing a policy of agreement with Russia and does not take Europe’s positions into account in it. On the one hand, this pushes Europe out of the process of ensuring its own security; on the other, it limits its chances of taking part in the future geopolitical balance of power. In my view, this is the reason why ideas of reaching an agreement with Russia have been heard in Europe lately.
Asif Narimanli
The Finnish president’s statement supporting this position stems from the fact that the country shares a border with Russia. After the war with the USSR, Finland had a “neutral status”. That status was set aside during the war in Ukraine, which does not serve Finland’s interests. This happened because of the West’s general desire and the Russian threat visible on the country’s borders. But the steps taken so far have not removed the risks to Europe’s security, including Finland’s; on the contrary, the US desire to reach agreement with Russia threatens the security and geopolitical positions of the “Old Continent”.
On the other hand, the problem of Europe’s dependence on Russian energy resources has not been solved, and finding alternative sources is not easy. In this regard, Europe may consider reaching an agreement with Russia also in order to overcome its economic difficulties. But such an agreement would not mean surrendering Ukraine; it would rather mean finding common ground.
Not all European countries take a warm view of the question of reaching agreement with Russia. But it cannot be ruled out that this position will grow stronger over time.”
Turan Rzayev
Globalinfo.az
Read also
