The Kremlin announced on Friday that Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to negotiate with “everyone”, including Europeans, after the Financial Times reported that European Union leaders are preparing for a possible dialogue.
According to the publication, the change in attitude of the EU was triggered by the Europeans’ frustration over the negotiations led by American President Donald Trump to end the war in Ukraine, reports Agerpres. At the same time, the head of the European Council, Antonio Costa, stated that there is potential for talks.
“We will be ready to continue on the path of dialogue as long as the Europeans are ready for it. However, as Putin has stated several times, we will not initiate such contacts following the position adopted by the Europeans.
“It was not Russia that initiated the complete cessation of relations with the EU. Brussels and certain European capitals initiated this,” commented the Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov.
Some European leaders have stated that Russia must be defeated in Ukraine, and Putin is a war criminal and an autocrat who could also attack a NATO member state if he is allowed to win the war. Russia has categorically rejected the accusations and states that the West wants the war, supporting Ukraine.