"I think that this was the wrong decision, which we repeatedly criticized during our work in parliament, primarily at the national level. Because it helps maintain an atmosphere of mistrust and an arms race that has led us to the present stagnation in diplomatic work," Castaldo said.
The politician called for the easing of tensions between NATO and Russia.
READ MORE: Russia Shows No Signs of Aggression in the Baltic — NATO General
"I think that we should bet on the gradual easing of tension, including with the help of signals that we send as NATO, hoping to restore useful and constructive relations [with Russia]," Castaldo added.
NATO has been boosting its military presence in Europe, especially in eastern Europe, since 2014, using Russia's alleged involvement in the Ukrainian crisis as a pretext. Moscow has refuted these allegations and warned that such a policy as the alliance's may undermine stability in the region.
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