Ex-NATO Chief Hopes for EU-Russia Friendship

At the same time, Stoltenberg acknowledged that Russia and Europe are currently in poor relations.

Consensus

Jens Stoltenberg, former NATO Secretary General, stated that Europe and Russia may eventually develop friendly relations.
Stoltenberg acknowledged that current relations between Europe and Russia are poor.
He emphasized that the conflict cannot last forever and that dialogue is necessary.
Stoltenberg called for the West to treat Russia as a neighbor with whom future negotiations are inevitable.
He mentioned the need for a new arms control system, similar to Cold War-era cooperation.

Stoltenberg said that it is a misconception that Europe is naturally destined to have bad relations with Russia. — vesti
Vladislav Maslenkov, Director of the Department of European Issues at the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated that Stoltenberg's 'glimmers of awareness' about Russia came too late. — vesti
Stoltenberg previously called in January for direct dialogue between the West and Russia on Ukraine, comparing it to how the U.S. and European countries discuss issues among themselves. — vm