NATO does not accept the occupation of Crimea by Russia, but this is not an excuse to isolate Russia, Alliance Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Wednesday, July 11, at the Brussels summit. He expressed confidence in the need for a dialogue with the Russian Federation, even if NATO "does not believe in improving relations".

"We still do not recognize the accession of the Crimea, interference in the elections of other countries, but because of this, one can not isolate Russia," the NATO Secretary General said, noting that instances when Russia "interfered in the internal affairs of other states, saw in Salisbury, in Montenegro ".

"For me this is not an argument in favor of Russia's isolation. To stop talking to Russia. I think on the contrary, when relations are tense, it is important to talk with Russia in order to reduce tension, "says Stoltenberg.

He also stated that Russia is using its troops against neighboring countries - Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova.

According to Stoltenberg, his position with regard to Russia is that NATO should be united and increase investment in defense, and dialogue with Russia must continue, because it remains a neighbor of the Alliance.

At the same time, he stressed that we should not forget about the annexation of the Crimea, cyber attacks, interference in the domestic politics of other countries, but "to change the situation for the better, it is necessary to use all the tools".

Source: Mirror of the Week.