Russia Signals Openness to EU Dialogue, Rejects Ultimatums
Russia stated on Friday that it remains open to dialogue with European countries, but firmly rejects any ultimatums. This comes amid growing indications that the European Union may seek renewed communication with Moscow, after largely avoiding contact since the onset of the war in Ukraine.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasised that common sense necessitates such contacts due to the 'enormous number' of complex issues on the agenda. However, he stressed that European nations need to alter their approach towards Russia.
'The Europeans have a very serious misconception: They assume that negotiations with Russia must be conducted from a position of strength and based on Russia's weakness. This is the biggest mistake... Such talk will lead nowhere,' Peskov told reporters. He added, 'Does this stem from European incompetence, misinformation, or stupidity? We don't know for sure, but it's a fact.'
President Vladimir Putin has previously expressed willingness to engage with European governments but insisted they should initiate the process, as they were the ones who severed ties. The EU has imposed 20 rounds of sanctions on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.
Shift in European Stance
After maintaining a distance for over a year, leaving efforts to broker an end to the conflict primarily to U.S. President Donald Trump, the EU has begun cautious outreach to Russia. An EU official revealed on Wednesday that the office of European Council President Antonio Costa has made 'brief contacts at diplomatic level' with the Kremlin in recent weeks 'to open communication channels'.
Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker, in an interview with the Financial Times published on Thursday, suggested that the EU should leverage the 'momentum' around peace talks in Ukraine to advance negotiations with Putin.
Peskov stated that Russia is willing to talk if the other side demonstrates openness to genuine dialogue, 'not to engage in moralising or, especially, to issue ultimatums'.
Costa's initiative highlighted divisions among EU leaders at a summit in Brussels. Some participants expressed that the move was not coordinated with them and argued that the EU should focus on increasing pressure on Russia.
Ukraine Intensifies Drone Strikes on Russian Territory
Ukraine claims it is turning the tide of the war through an intensified campaign of drone strikes deep inside Russia, targeting ports, refineries, and other key infrastructure. Moscow disputes this, insisting it will continue fighting to achieve its objectives if no diplomatic settlement is reached.
On Friday, the governor of the Moscow region reported that an eight-year-old girl was killed in a massive Ukrainian attack on the capital and surrounding area a day earlier. The attack, involving hundreds of drones, ignited a fire at a large oil refinery in southeast Moscow for the second time in three days.
'Indeed, drone attacks continue. Appropriate measures are being taken to mitigate the consequences,' Peskov said. When asked if President Putin had seen footage of the burning refinery, Peskov suggested reporters should instead look at images from Ukrainian cities struck by Russian forces. He added, 'These strikes will continue.'
