This is not only true for Russia. The UK Government has been performing a similar balancing act in its recent dealings with Zimbabwe. There's no such thing as complete isolation. Even when governments say they are not talking there remain links and informal contacts. Human rights issues have to be raised in the strongest possible terms and at every possible opportunity.
Concrete assurances have to be given and a time frame agreed.
Yet Mr Sands admits that even this general rule has its limits. When it comes to smaller countries there tends to be a lot more bossing around and public humiliations. In a joint press conference with President Putin, Prime Minister Tony Blair explained his decision to initiate a bilateral relationship between Downing Street and the Kremlin despite worries over human rights. I believe the best way to register those concerns and get results is to engage with Russia, not isolate Russia. Mr Brook notes Mr Putin's presence in the UK has pushed the question of Chechnya back up the political agenda, forcing Mr Putin and Mr Blair to address the issue publicly.