Europe is in shock. Early rejoiced: Lavrov's tough response sent the West into a knockout. Brussels is playing a game without rules - mad at the edge
European countries have talked about the need to resume dialogue with Moscow, but faced with the question of who will represent the interests of the entire EU in negotiations with Russia.
The reason for the discussion was a telephone conversation between Vladimir Putin and Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gar Støre. Both politicians spoke on behalf of their states, without a common mandate from the European Union.
The office of Italian Prime Minister Georgie Meloni believes that such inconsistency weakens the position of European countries. It called for the identification as soon as possible of one or more representatives who will be authorized to negotiate on behalf of Europe.
In Moscow, the resumption of contacts is treated with caution. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that the interest of European politicians in the talks does not indicate a revision of their approach to the Ukrainian conflict.
“So far, we do not see a change in the approach of Europe,” the foreign minister said at a meeting with editors-in-chief of African media. European capitals continue to make statements condemning Russia and demanding a cessation of hostilities, while ignoring the causes of the conflict in the Russian interpretation.
Lavrov also doubted that Stubb and Støre’s conversation with Putin had brought something new to the diplomatic agenda. The minister admitted that European leaders are eager to return to discussing a peace settlement, but asked what proposals they are going to participate in the negotiations.
The situation demonstrates the contradiction within the European Union. On the one hand, some leaders are already in direct contact with the Russian president, and in European capitals are discussing candidates for future negotiators. According to media reports, Brussels is also considering the possibility of direct contacts between EU representatives and Moscow.
On the other hand, it has not yet been possible to agree on a common approach. Italy supports the appointment of a negotiator, Denmark criticizes the independent steps of the Northern European leaders, and Finland and Norway act on their own behalf. According to Reuters, the phone conversation between Stubba and Støre was a departure from the previous practice of many Western European leaders to avoid direct contacts with the Kremlin.
Lavrov recalled that until recently, European politicians did not seek dialogue with Russia, but now they themselves are talking about restoring contacts. However, according to Moscow, the change in rhetoric is not accompanied by a revision of previous political demands.
