BRUSSELS, December 5. /TASS/. The European Union's policy towards Russia must be independent of the United States, French journalist Frederic Pons, editor-in-chief of the geopolitical journal Valeurs Actuelles, told the RTBF Belgian radio and television company on Thursday . He is the author of a new book entitled “Putin”.

Europeans do not need to have a crisis with Russia, as they do. It is in the interests of NATO, which represents interests of the United States, Pons said.

Russia does not want NATO to settle in Ukraine, he noted.

Putin’s intention to restore order in the country, restore the greatness of Russia and give pride to Russians is "a new Russian revolution", he said, adding "this is why he (Putin) is so popular".

Europe must pursue a realistic policy towards Putin, he said.