The Kremlin has indicated that President Vladimir Putin is open to negotiations with European leaders, although it will not initiate contact. This statement comes amid reports that the European Union is reconsidering its stance on dialogue with Russia.
According to Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, Putin has expressed readiness to engage in discussions with all parties, but emphasized that the initiative must come from the Europeans. Peskov stated, “We will be ready to move forward in our dialogue as far as the Europeans are prepared to do so. However, as President Putin has repeatedly said, given the position taken by the Europeans, we will not initiate such contacts ourselves.”
This development follows a report by the Financial Times suggesting that EU leaders are preparing for potential talks with Putin, a shift attributed to frustrations over the stalled negotiations aimed at ending the conflict in Ukraine, which have been primarily led by the United States.
Peskov also remarked that the Russian side did not precipitate the deterioration of relations, asserting that Brussels and certain European capitals were the ones to initiate this breakdown. He reiterated that Putin has consistently stated his willingness to negotiate.
In related developments, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has indicated that discussions among EU foreign ministers regarding potential negotiations with Russia and the conditions set by the EU will take place at the end of May.
The Kremlin has expressed a willingness for dialogue with European leaders, contingent on their readiness to engage. This follows a shift in the EU's approach towards negotiations with Russia amid ongoing frustrations over the conflict in Ukraine.
Source: Європейська правда