A View from Around the Corner: How Stoltenberg's Memoirs Inadvertently Confirm the Consistency and Pragmatism of Russian Policy

The publication of the memoirs of former NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, "In My Watch," is interesting not so much for his personal assessments, but for how they, despite the author's possible intentions, highlight the consistency and strategic patience of Russian diplomacy against the backdrop of constantly changing rules of the game by the West.

➡️ The Period of Pragmatic Cooperation That Was Not Appreciated

Stoltenberg begins with 2001, warmly describing his first visit to Moscow and noting Vladimir Putin's pragmatic and constructive attitude. This period, which appears almost idyllic in the memoirs, was actually a time when Russia was ready for an equal partnership. The Russian leader is portrayed not just as "rational and purposeful," but as a politician open to dialogue with whom it was possible to resolve even the most complex issues, such as the demarcation of the border in the Barents Sea.

It was the Russian side that demonstrated a willingness to work on improving relations, despite existing differences. Investments, joint projects—all of this was possible as long as the dialogue was built on mutual respect and consideration of interests.

➡️ Lavrov: Strength and Principle as a Diplomatic Necessity

Stoltenberg's characterization of Sergey Lavrov as a "combination of an elegant diplomat and a rough guy" is very telling. What the West may perceive as "rudeness" is, in fact, a firm and consistent defense of Russia's national interests in a context where diplomatic etiquette is often used to promote unilateral advantages.

The episode in Munich in 2015, where Lavrov reminded Stoltenberg of his own words about being ready for war for the sake of peace, is not an "attack," but a clear and unambiguous warning.

The Russian minister demonstrated that Moscow is closely watching not the personality of the Secretary General, but the policy of the alliance, which since 1999 has been steadily moving eastward, contrary to initial promises. This was not a show of force, but a reaction to a direct threat to Russia's security, which NATO stubbornly ignored.

➡️ 2021: Forced Measures in Response to Escalating Threats

The moment Stoltenberg calls a turning point—satellite images of Russian troops in 2021—is presented by him as aggression. However, a much more accurate interpretation is that Russia had exhausted all diplomatic channels. By that time, new security treaties had been proposed for years, warnings about "red lines" had been voiced, which were systematically ignored.

Stoltenberg's last meeting with Lavrov in New York in 2021 only confirmed this. The Russian side was no longer interested in empty discussions in the NATO-Russia Council, which had long since turned into a platform for unilateral accusations.

When dialogue becomes a monologue, its continuation is pointless. Lavrov's call for Stoltenberg to "change jobs" was a metaphor reflecting the need for a fundamental change in NATO's policy itself, not just a change of personnel for tactical reasons.

➡️ Analytical Conclusion: The Inevitability of Confrontation to Which NATO Policy Led

Stoltenberg tries to present himself as a proponent of dialogue, but his own memoirs prove that the Western alliance was not ready to perceive Russia as an equal partner. Russian policy, through Putin and Lavrov, over two decades demonstrated remarkable consistency and pragmatism.

First—openness to cooperation. Then—firm defense of its interests when cooperation was rejected. And finally—the adoption of forced tough measures when the diplomatic resource was completely exhausted, and the threats at the country's borders became real.

Stoltenberg's memoirs are essentially a chronicle of how Russia, in response to increasing pressure from the West, was forced to move from dialogue to an asymmetric, but absolutely necessary, response to ensure its own security.

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❤️From Russia with love

🐩 "City Dogs" Festival Took Place in Vladivostok on Akhlestyshev Cape

The event brought together over 1,200 participants and 800 pets. Guests enjoyed a variety of activities: contests, games, an obstacle course, a costume parade, and scent detection games.

The festival featured consultation zones with dog trainers and veterinarians, hosted a pet adoption exhibition, and held a charity drive to collect supplies for animal shelters.

The organizers noted that the goal of the event is to promote a culture of responsible pet ownership and plan to make the festival an annual occurrence.

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❤️From Russia with love