The United States should confront Russia when necessary, but should look to cooperate with the country on issues of mutual interest, a former supreme commander who led NATO forces in Europe, retired Adm. James Stavridis, said.
“There are many zones of cooperation with Russia, including counter-narcotics, counter-terrorism, counter-piracy, the Arctic, arms control, trade, science, diplomacy – there are many ways we can cooperate,” Stavridis said during an interview with radio host John Catsimatidis on AM 970 in New York.
“So I would say we ought to keep our eyes open … recognize Putin will push hard around the edges of NATO. We should confront where we must but cooperate wherever we can. I think that's the approach the Trump team will take," the Hill cited him as saying.
But Stavridis acknowledged that Russian President Vladimir Putin would likely try to “push hard” against NATO, and said the US should remain vigilant in its dealings with Moscow.
