The scale of Russian influence means the country simply could not be ignored.
“As the largest country by area, the sixth largest economy, the ninth largest population, and a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, there is simply no denying the power and influence of Europe’s eastern neighbor,” he explains.
Besides, Russia has also played an integral role in trying to defuse some of the world’s hotspots.
Recognizing Russia’s position on the global stage is crucial to building a constructive, beneficial relationship with the country, the politician acknowledges.
However he regrets that the UK and Washington have very different relationships with Russia and now it’s Britain’s turn to “follow America’s lead and attempt to defuse conflicts” rather than what he describes as “poke the Russian bear that already feels caged in.”
The US, led primarily by Secretary of State John Kerry, has been much more receptive and willing to work with Russia on vital issues such as Syria and Iran, Kawczynski says.
Meanwhile, the UK has taken a much more distant stance, vocally chastising Russia and its leadership.
“While Secretary of State Kerry publically calls Russia an “important partner,” Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond has publically claimed that “Russia represents a challenge and a threat to all of us.”
Language such as Hammond’s does no good in cultivating a working relationship with one of the largest powers in the world, says the politician.
The British politician earlier had already pointed at the ‘unprecedented divergence between the UK and US approach towards Russia’.
“I have never known such a divergence between the two capitals in their approach towards Russia. I have been following US Secretary of State John Kerry’s twitter recently which has some extremely positive comments about engaging with Russia in stark contrast to what the British Foreign Secretary is saying — which is obviously very disappointing.”
The Conservative MP has also warned against the further expansion of the EU or NATO, which he says could exacerbate current disputes with the country.
“Europe’s eastern neighbour is not going away, and any further EU or NATO enlargement will almost certainly infringe on Russia’s sphere of influence, further complicating matters. ”
Daniel Kawczynski is preparing to visit Russia in May with the Foreign Affairs Select Committee as research for its report into Anglo-Russian relations.
