OLGA IVANOVA, 46, CLERK

I'm for anything that can bring us closer to the civilized world, civilized Western countries. Russia should approach NATO and cooperate with it more closely if it benefits our country. If it is mutually beneficial, we should closely collaborate with NATO. Russia has great potential and, in joining our forces, we will get superior results. I'm for setting civilized rules and abiding by them. Possibly, cooperation with NATO will result in some political progress here in Russia.

SERGEI NIKONOVICH, 43, ENGINEER

We have to enforce some order in Russia and only then will we be able to cooperate equally with other countries. We should certainly participate in international affairs, but we should keep away from any close cooperation with NATO regarding Afghanistan. Anti-terrorist cooperation between Russian and NATO would be good for us, but not military action. But what I want to add is that there is a great unfairness: When America is attacked, it can retaliate with all its might, but when Chechens attack Russians, the whole world warns Russia not to act accordingly.

TATYANA SHOLDAKOVA, 27, ADMINISTRATOR

Cooperation with NATO is needed – though I have to admit that on both sides there are military men, not ordinary people, who are sealing agreements. Of course Russia and NATO should closely collaborate, because at the end of the day, it's much better for them to openly put their cards on the table than to keep quiet. Regarding Putin's visit to Brussels, I think that it's good that he met with NATO officials there. There should be understanding between us, and that can't be gained without a dialogue.

SVETLANA FEDOTOVA, 22, JOURNALIST

Well, I don't have a strong opinion about that, as I'm not really interested in politics. But still, speaking personally, I would say that Russia should look eastward and build stronger relationships with Asian countries. Western countries are under the dictatorship of America, so we should deal with China, India and Japan. Financially speaking, Western countries are wealthier, but if you look at it strategically, then I would prefer Russia to be collaborating with Asian nations, not NATO.

YELENA YUSHINA, 39, MANAGER

I strongly believe that Russia shouldn't join NATO, though cooperation will likely be of some use. We can share our experiences. Russia nowadays is weaker than NATO, so sometimes we can't maintain our position, but it's always good to work toward things that are mutually acceptable and rewarding. Cooperation is better than conflict.

YURY PEREKHODOV, 26, MANAGER

Russia and NATO can consult each other. We have some valuable experience with respect to Afghanistan – we fought there for more than a decade, so our advice could be of great value for America. But I don't think that we should go beyond that. We shouldn't join NATO, as Russian resources are enough to allow us to defend ourselves. We can stand alone, and still be strong and strategically independent.