Russian resurgence

Letter published in The Evening Standard 19th July 2007-07-20

Sir,

The diplomatic stand-off with Moscow is a consequence of the West failing to take a holistic view of security and sidelining those who warned of Russia’s resurgence after the Cold War.

The Government did what was right by expelling Russian diplomats over Moscow’s refusal to hand over Andrei Lugovoy. This exchange will not stop here, and the position of Britons in Russia will become more difficult in coming months.

We must show we will not be bullied, for the real prize Russia is aiming at is to divide the European energy market into fiefdoms of the Russian state energy provider Gazprom. We should realise that Putin sees his potential next job as president of Gazprom as a promotion from his current role.

Caroline Flynn-MacLeod
Director, First Defence