European Commission acknowledges need for talks between EU and Russia
Photo: European Commission spokesperson Paula Pinho (Getty Images)
The European Commission’s chief spokesperson, Paula Pinho, acknowledged the need for negotiations between the European Union and Russia, according to Pinho’s remarks at a briefing in Brussels.
Commenting on Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s remarks about the need to "talk to Russia," the European Commission’s chief spokesperson said that Europe would have to negotiate with the Russian authorities.
"Obviously, at some point we will have to negotiate with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin," she said.
At the same time, Pinho noted that "we are not at that stage yet."
Statements on dialogue with Russia
On January 9, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said that the EU should resume talks with Russia on Ukraine. According to her, this is necessary to preserve Europe’s influence in negotiations on ending the war.
At the same time, Meloni noted that such talks could play into the hands of the Russian President if they are conducted "in separate steps in a chaotic manner."
In December, French President Emmanuel Macron spoke in favor of seeking formats that would allow EU countries "to re-enter dialogue with Russia again — in a transparent manner and in cooperation with Ukraine."
In response, Russia said it was ready for such contacts. In particular, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that the Russian leader was ready for dialogue with French President Macron "if there is mutual political will."
Later, in January, Emmanuel Macron said he does not rule out the possibility of contact with the Russian President. Specifically, he said that he is "currently organizing the establishment of contact in the coming weeks" with the Russian leader.
Axios reported that Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with Kirill Dmitriev in Paris to discuss the US peace plan for Ukraine.
