The Kremlin said Friday it considered calls by some European states to resume dialogue with Russia as “positive,” after French and Italian leaders called for re-engagement with Moscow on Ukraine.
French president Emmanuel Macron and Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni have both advocated for re-engaging with Moscow to help address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
“We have noted statements made in recent days by a number of European leaders,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, adding: “If this truly reflects the strategic vision of the Europeans, then it is a positive evolution of their position.”
He added that: “From Paris, from Rome and even from Berlin there is support for the idea that for there to be stability in Europe you need to talk to the Russians. This absolutely corresponds to our position.”
Since the start of the war in Ukraine in 2022, dialogue between the European Union and Russia has been largely suspended. The EU responded with extensive sanctions, travel restrictions, and economic measures, while only a few leaders have maintained any contact with Russian officials.
Macron has repeatedly suggested that a measured engagement with President Vladimir Putin could be “useful” for Europe. Meloni followed Macron, stating, “I think the time has come for Europe to talk to Russia.”
