A number of French scholars, among them political scientists, published a letter in the newspaper c call to change the approach to the study of Russia. "Russia and Europe share the same continent and have the opportunity to go on a separate historical paths ", - said in the letter. The Ukrainian crisis, according to scientists, showed that in France, there are opposing views on this issue, but the discussion is inadequate. The authors of the letter believe, after all this is the result of insufficient study of Russia and post-Soviet countries in France. "The Time has come to rebuild the French school of strategic thought concerning Russia. Time to throw away the stereotypes about Russia, according to which it is a Northern monster, seeking territorial expansion, or the other extreme - those who are able to save Europe from its liberal and transatlantic demons ", - said in the letter. They believe that it is necessary to make a fresh platform for the study of Russia in the context of the depth of its history, economic importance and local features. "It is Time for all who participate in making decisions that could be based on objective research, taking into account the long history of Franco-Russian relations, contemporary challenges and rivalry, and also available from various lobby ", - said in the letter. The authors of the letter are sorry about the fact that Paris says nothing about the issues concerning the future of Europe. In their vision, the new school of strategic thought concerning Russia, would increase the influence of France within the EU and in its negotiations with the US. "If we're better (Russia - ed.) to understand, it will enable us to anticipate strategic ways to advance the interests of France and Europe in this important geopolitical space," concluded the authors of the letter.