Russian President Vladimir Putin in the beginning of his presidency was set to rapprochement with Europe, and was even willing to discuss NATO membership, however, Europe turned away from him and Russia. Such opinion in interview to Der Spiegel expressed by Horst Teltschik, a former adviser on foreign and security policy of the ex-Chancellor of Germany Helmut Kohl. He drew attention That the Russian President's then very worried about issues of European politics and security, but Europe did not want to cooperate with Russia. Teltschik also believes That among the key factors in the deterioration of relations between the West and Russia were the words of former President Barack Hussein Obama, who has called the Russian Federation " regional power ". "in the West love angry, to threaten with a finger, the media put Putin a powerful villain who is capable of anything. It is impossible not to notice the one-sidedness of this position. But Putin is not the enemy of Europe, " the Politician said, noting That the Europeans themselves have turned away from Russia. In addition, Teltschik has criticized Western countries for their position on the Ukrainian domestic conflict. In his vision, it was necessary not only to think about the inclusion of Ukraine into the EU and NATO, But relations with Russia. "You could discuss the possibility of setting up a European free trade area, But Brussels did nothing," He laments. Teltschik has supplemented his words by the fact That Europe has with Russia to build a constructive relationship, citing the example of former German Chancellor Willy Brandt, who met in 1971 with the General Secretary of the CPSU Leonid Brezhnev to discuss security matters in spite of tense relations. In addition, the Politician believes That the Russian Federation will never attack NATO because "the Russians are not crazy" and merely wish to supply safety. "at its core the desire of the capital of Russia is of a defensive nature. This is confirmed by historical experience. Charles XII, Napoleon, Adolf Hitler Is the West always attack the Russian Federation. What feels normal Russian man, when he finds out That German soldiers are again on the Russian border?", - asks Teltschik. The politician also said That at present, NATO's actions worsen the situation by doing exercises, reconnaissance flights and all the time moving to the borders of Russia. "If the aircraft alone flew along the border, other is sent immediately to the edge of self. It's a damn dangerous game. With the Founding act NATO-Russia, and a Treaty between Russia and the EU provide us ample opportunities - But we haven't acted, " said Teltschik. The main culprit in the modern situation He calls German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who, in his vision, lacks leadership qualities. <span style="color:darkgray