According to Dagbladet’s report, Gjedde criticizes NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg for having an excessively strong language against Russia and President Vladimir Putin. He believes NATO and the West must normalize relations with Russia. He also believes that economic sanctions against Russia should gradually be scaled down.
– There has been a violent stance against Russia because of aggression against Ukraine and annexation of Crimea. But it is highly unlikely that Russia leaves the Crimea, and I think most people realize that Crimea has been lost, says Tybring-Gjedde.
He further suggests that Russia will still be a good ally in the fight against IS. Now it would be wise for NATO and NATO member states to try to join together in a united front against IS. NATO and NATO member states should curb rhetoric towards Russia, adds he.
It is important that all the forces pulling in the same direction to combat IS. Russia is experiencing the too fundamentalist Islam. In this context, Russia and Western allies teaming. Another thing that is interesting to observe that Russia today has launched air strikes against IS, says FrP representative.