Russia Is Rotten, But Relatively Docile

Tony Brenton, Telegraph
Our new Foreign Secretary has made very clear his dislike of Russia's behaviour. His opposite number, Sergei Lavrov, is among the longest serving, toughest and most intelligent of those he will meet on the foreign ministers circuit. But Lavrov will want to learn what post-Brexit role Britain sees for itself. Mr Johnson should find an early opportunity to make it clear that if Russia breaks the rules we will be among those who insist it pays, but we are also keen to reverse the slide into long-term confrontation.