Russia's Further Isolation 'Dangerous For The World'; Vladimir Putin May Grab More Land In Ukraine

Tensions between the West and Russia may soon escalate if Europe does not intervene. The country has been urged to have an open dialogue with the Council of Europe. Belgian Foreign Minister and head of the council's Committee of Ministers Didier Reynders has called for talks with Russia as European countries attempt to quell tensions in the region over the Ukraine crisis. A group of prominent Germans have also joined in calls for Germany to open talks with Russia to ensure lasting peace in Europe.

According to RT News, the group believes further isolation of Russia will only be "dangerous for the world." A petition bearing the title "New war in Europe? Not in our name!" was signed by 60 Germans from the different sectors of the country. Among those who signed were former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder.

The prominent group of Germans, headed by the former Chancellor advisor, Horst Teltschik, former Defence Secretary Walter Stützle and the former Vice President of the Bunderstag, Antje Vollmer, believes the progress that Europe has achieved with Russia in the last 25 years should not be affected by the differences between Moscow and Washington. The group said it wants to see a new policy in Europe and urged Western and German governments to stop their "confrontational policy" towards Moscow and move towards a more diplomatic approach.

The German group said Russia and Europe have a joint responsibility to maintain security and peace in the continent. However, this can only be achieved by respecting all partners. While the West considers the concerns of eastern European countries, the group wants Russia's grievances to be heard, too. The group also appealed to the West to stop focusing on Russian President Vladimir Putin since leaders come and go.

Meanwhile, as far as Mr Putin is concerned, many analysts have speculated the next move of the Russian president, especially regarding the future of Ukraine. According to USA Today, some believe that Russia will try to grab more land to build a land bridge from mainland Russia to Crimea. Others have also speculated that Russia is doing everything in its power to isolate the former Soviet states from Western influence. Russia has repeatedly denied it was not helping separatist groups in Ukraine crisis, while Mr Putin had declared non-political involvement in international affairs in earlier reports.

Previous reports have indicated that Moscow has been pressuring Moldova to move away from talks with the European Union which some analysts believe as a repeat of the Ukraine crisis. Russia may be urging Transnistria, Moldova's separatist region, to become an independent state.

Since news of Russia's increased military activities emerged, NATO has begun rotating small units of its forces continuously throughout eastern Europe and the Baltic states. Earlier reports said that about 4,000 troops have been ordered on standby to prepare prepositioned armaments in the east or move a tank brigade, if necessary.