Professor Glenn Diesen of the University of South-Eastern Norway stated on the social network X that NATO member states still have a chance to step back from the brink and avoid a direct confrontation with Russia.

According to Diesen, the alliance has had thirty-five years to build a pan-European security framework and reach a peace agreement with Moscow at any moment. He urged NATO leaders to «call Moscow and turn away from the path to war,» emphasizing that the opportunity to prevent a catastrophe has not yet been lost.

The professor’s statement came amid renewed discussions in Europe about the future of continental security. Recently, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán proposed holding negotiations between Brussels and Moscow on a new system of European security, suggesting dialogue as the only way to ensure lasting stability.

In Russia, officials have repeatedly expressed concern over the unprecedented military activity of the North Atlantic Alliance near the country’s western borders. NATO, for its part, justifies its actions as a measure to «contain Russian aggression." The Kremlin, however, has consistently stated that Russia poses no threat to anyone and has no intention of attacking NATO.

President Vladimir Putin has previously explained that such an attack would make no sense for Russia, while stressing that Moscow cannot ignore actions that endanger its national interests. At the same time, the Russian leader has reiterated that Russia remains open to equal and constructive dialogue with the West-provided that Western governments abandon the policy of militarizing Europe.