'..Russia is unlikely to reach out and that NATO must take the lead.'<blockquote>'WASHINGTON — The NATO nations must open up firm lines of communication with Russia in order to avoid further escalation of tensions in Europe, the alliance’s recently retired top general said Wednesday.
Philip Breedlove, who retired last month after four years as the head of US European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe, told an audience at the Atlantic Council that he believes NATO must force the issue of communications with Russia soon.
“I think we have to — in a very determined way, not a casual way — we need to in a very determined way begin to establish quality communications with the Russians. If we wait for it to fall into our lap we are going to fail, and this risks more problematic developments,” Breedlove said, acknowledging that Russia is unlikely to reach out and that NATO must take the lead.'
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Breedlove: NATO Needs to Talk to Russia, June 22, 2016</blockquote>
Context<blockquote>
'They should have clearer positions and show Russia they will stop its impudence and appetite sooner or later'</blockquote>