按理，欧洲应该以一个声音与俄罗斯对话，但实际上，欧盟各国一有机会就会与俄罗斯进行双边协商（特别是在利润丰厚的商业合同事务上 ） ， 只是在万不得已的情况下才会统一打出欧盟的旗帜。 这使得俄罗斯可以游刃有余地各个击破。
It would retain its status alongside the United States’ on the world stage, its territorial integrity would be unquestioned, and it would be left to manage its domestic affairs without outside interference or criticism.