Photo: EPA
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that European leaders who want dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin can simply call him directly.
Commenting on discussions in Europe about possible contacts with Moscow, Peskov said: “These discussions are in the air, but Putin is as close to them as a telephone receiver.”
He also expressed hope that a more pragmatic approach would eventually prevail in Europe and said Russia would be ready for such engagement.
The remarks came after Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stated at the Lennart Meri Conference on May 16 that now is the best time to increase pressure on Russia rather than pursue negotiations. According to Tsahkna, Moscow has intensified contacts with European countries because of growing economic difficulties and mounting problems for the Russian military during the fifth year of the full-scale war.
“The tone has changed. Everyone understands that this is the most favorable moment to pressure Russia,” Tsahkna said.
Earlier, European Council President António Costa suggested that conditions for future talks with Russia could eventually emerge. He reportedly discussed with EU leaders what topics might be raised if dialogue with Moscow begins, while also noting that Europe currently sees no signs that Russia is ready for serious negotiations.
Previously, Putin named former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as the “best candidate” to serve as a mediator between Russia and the European Union. Tsahkna rejected the proposal, saying Schröder would not represent Europe.
