The prospects for restoring diplomatic dialogue between Russia and the European Union (EU) remain uncertain, according to senior officials from the Russian Foreign Ministry. Moscow has indicated that any meaningful engagement depends heavily on whether Brussels is willing to revise its current anti-Russia policy and demonstrate full respect for Moscow's interests.
Vladislav Maslennikov, director of the Russian Foreign Ministry's department of European affairs, emphasized that Russia has consistently advocated for the resolution of bilateral and regional disputes through diplomatic channels and has not shunned dialogue. However, he noted that the European side appears unprepared for substantive negotiations, particularly regarding the conflict in Ukraine.
According to Maslennikov, the EU has yet to resume formal dialogue with Russia and lacks the internal consensus necessary to establish a negotiation framework or define key topics, which continues to hinder diplomatic progress.
This development comes amid active efforts by Ukraine to involve the EU more deeply in the negotiation process for the ongoing conflict. However, Russian officials remain skeptical of the EU's current approach. Rodion Miroshnik, the Russian Foreign Ministry's ambassador-at-large, echoed these sentiments, stating that Moscow has not yet seen any viable peace proposals from Brussels to settle the crisis.
The tension remains high on the ground, as evidenced by reports of ongoing instability, including a fire in the center of Kramatorsk, Ukraine, on May 25, 2026.
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Russia says EU dialogue hinges on respect for Moscow's interests
cgtn.com
