Of course we need Russia, but never forget that Russia also needs us

1st July 2006
By Arild Moe

Since the events of 2001 and the continuing instability in the Middle East, energy security has regained much of the position it held in international affairs in the 1970s and ‘80s. But now Russian energy is seen as a solution, not a problem — witness the energy dialogues between Russia and the EU and Russia and the US.

This harmonious situation was disturbed by the gas conflict between Russia and Ukraine in early January. On expiration of existing gas export contracts t…