Kremlin rejects EU push to negotiate with Russia from position of strength

Peskov made the remarks on June 19 while commenting on EU discussions over whether to resume contacts with Moscow, Russian propaganda outlet RBC reported.

“This is the biggest mistake, whether it stems from incompetence, their being misinformed or their stupidity — we do not know for sure, but it is a fact,” he said.

The Kremlin spokesman also said any possible EU dialogue with Russia should not be conducted “to engage in moralizing.”

On June 17, Bloomberg, citing sources, reported that European Council President António Costa had established contact with Kremlin representatives to involve Russian dictator Vladimir Putin in discussions on possible ways to end the war in Ukraine.

The report said Costa’s chief adviser had held two phone calls with a senior Russian official close to Putin.

On June 18, Costa told EU leaders during a summit in Brussels that, in his view, resuming limited diplomatic contacts with Russia was necessary to preserve a communication channel and protect the European Union’s future interests, European Pravda reported, citing sources.

On June 19, Politico reported that some countries were deeply dissatisfied with Costa’s contacts with Moscow.

The discussions at the Brussels summit reflected underlying tensions inside the EU over its approach to Russia and over who should speak on behalf of the European Union, Politico reported on June 19.

Talks among leaders on Russia and Ukraine revealed the emergence of two main camps. Sources familiar with the matter told Politico that French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz believe now is not the time to negotiate with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. When that moment comes, they believe the E3 — France, Germany and the United Kingdom — should take the lead.

Other leaders take the opposite view, arguing that the role belongs to the EU, Politico reported.

On June 9, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said at a news conference with Nordic and Baltic leaders in Tallinn that Europe could take part in potential talks with Russia in different formats, including the E3 — the United Kingdom, Germany and France — as well as the EU.

“Who will represent Europe? I think this is very important. These can be different formats. The E3, the EU. Yes, we understand that the E3 is a good option, but I think it depends on Europe,” Zelenskyy said.

He said Europe should discuss the issue jointly and propose its formats to Ukraine.