Sawt Falasteen - Europe should speak to Russia with 'one voice', Putin foe says

In an exclusive interview, the former oil tycoon expressed caution about completely restoring relations with Vladimir Putin's Russia but said keeping channels of dialogue open were "absolutely necessary" to avoid a military clash.

"I am absolutely sure that in the next five to 10 years, Europe will face a cold war with Russia, which will most likely be combined with a hybrid war," Khodorkovsky told AFP on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.

"Contacts are absolutely necessary... The question is how to go about these conversations. And my opinion is that, of course, it would be preferable for Europe to speak with one voice," he added.

He suggested that Europe nominate one person to represent them in negotiations with Putin.

Khodorkovsky was formerly Russia's richest man until a falling-out with Putin saw him arrested and imprisoned for 10 years.

He now lives in exile in London, where he leads a liberal opposition group opposed to Putin.

His comments come as European leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron mull re-engaging with Moscow after four years of tensions over the Ukraine war.

Macron said last year he believed Europe should reach out again to Putin, rather than leave the United States alone to lead negotiations on ending Russia's invasion -- but has called for coordination between European capitals before this happens.

P.Tamimi--SF-PST