“NATO has taken a position as a leader of the western world – a policy of deterrence and dialogue towards Russia, and London would like to be a leader in these efforts.” Kelin pointed out, highlighting the influence of the US-led alliance on London’s outlook. “But there is 95% deterrence and only 5% of dialogue.”
Kelin described the state of relations between the UK and Russia as difficult. “Political contacts are close to being frozen, and this is very bad. I have seen some expression of intentions to review this policy to restart a relationship in the political field. But all of this is being damned by this attack once and once again,” he said.The ambassador added that Moscow is worried about another wave of accusations against Russia “in the recent days in the media here,” referring to the fallout from the so-called ‘Russia report’ on alleged political interference. “It of course provides little appetite in Moscow to develop dialogue.”
“The government in London should be realistic. It should understand the benefits of cooperation and working with Russia but not against Russia.” the ambassador emphasized. “Deterrence is the policy that has been, as I said, taken up against Russia, and of course it is not the cooperation that we have all envisaged.”
