Russia admitted on Friday, June 19th that it was open to dialogue with European Union member states, among others, but would not accept ultimatums.
Kremlin mouthpiece Dmitry Peskov thinks common sense will necessitate such contacts, but that Europeans need to change their approach to Russia, telling reporters
The Europeans have a very serious misconception: They assume that negotiations with Russia must be conducted from a position of strength and based on Russia’s weakness. This is the biggest mistake… Such talk will lead nowhere.
Peskov said Russia was willing to talk if the other side was open to real dialogue, and “not to engage in moralising or, especially, to issue ultimatums.”
Previously Peskov’s boss, President Vladimir Putin, said he is open to talks with European governments but—referring to 20 rounds of EU sanctions on Russia—his opponents should make the diplomatic first move.
However, it was also revealed on Thursday, June 19th that European Council president António Costa made a separate approach to Moscow, which has been reported as the creation of a diplomatic back-channel, much to the dismay of several leaders of EU member states.
