"We have to distinguish between electoral campaign rhetoric and what is done in practice. In fact, every US administration has always been in a confrontation with Russia. We do not say that there should not be any dialogue with Russia, but Russia could not be treated as an equal partner. Russia has obviously violated the international law by what it has done in Ukraine and Crimea and we will never forget this fact," Fallon told the BBC Radio.
Fallon added that the United Kingdom was not afraid of becoming isolated, continuing its confrontation policy towards Russia and noted that the decision to deploy 150 British soldiers in Poland was a part of a plan to resist Russian attempts to test NATO.
"We have to demonstrate that NATO is ready to protect its vulnerable members, particularly, its eastern wing including Baltic states and Poland," Fallon said.
Trump has repeatedly noted during his public speeches and interviews that "it would be nice" to have a good relationship with Russia. In his victory speech, the president-elect pledged to prioritize US national interests, but he also promised to treat fairly all other nations. Trump also mentioned that he might consider the recognition of Crimea as part of Russia.
