But we have really seen an activist Russian foreign policy.
"Reason enough for Germany to take up a clear position in its Russian policy."
His service was marked by a significant change in Russian policy.
Russian policy during those years was far from ideal.
It's less now, but that's the main problem with this Russian policy.
But whether we agree or disagree with Russian policy is not the issue; it's how to advance our interests.
Among the dozen or so in attendance were most of the department's top officials responsible for Russian policy.
But with the election just a week away, Russian monetary policy was taking a back seat to raw politics.
A further question that needs to be addressed relates to the future direction of Russian policy.
Western countries and multilateral institutions were also relieved to have someone they knew so well at the heart of Russian economic policy.