Kremlin’s Peskov urges renewed talks with Europe, dismissing opponents as shortsighted and irrational.
Russia Seeks Dialogue, Criticizes Opponents
Dmitry Peskov stated on Thursday, February 12, that some increasingly desire to restart dialogue with Russia, aligning with Moscow’s position. He criticized others advocating to keep all contacts severed as “shortsighted, completely irrational, and unreasonable,” calling it “political illiteracy and political shortsightedness.” Peskov noted that neither French President Emmanuel Macron nor German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have attempted contact with Vladimir Putin, despite Putin “not avoiding direct contacts.” Peskov added, “You can call him if needed.”
Macron Aims for Direct Putin Talks
According to *Le Figaro*, French President Emmanuel Macron announced in December his intention to resume direct contacts with Vladimir Putin. In early February, he sent his diplomatic advisor to Moscow. Macron explained to *El País* he doesn’t want to rely on intermediaries like the US in the debate. He stated, “What did I achieve? Confirmation that Russia does not want peace now. But above all, we rebuilt communication channels at the technical level. I want to share this with my European partners and develop a well-organized approach.”
Meloni Proposes Europe-Russia Talks
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also voiced support for restarting dialogue with Russia. “I believe it’s time for Europe to talk also with Russia,” Meloni said on February 9. She fears that if Europe negotiates only with one side, its positive contribution will be limited. “The problem is who should do it,” she stated. “If we made the mistake of resuming talks with Russia on one hand while acting unilaterally on the other, we would be doing Putin a favor, and that’s the last thing I want in life.” Meloni proposed appointing a special European envoy for Ukraine.
EU Stance: Ready for Talks, No Parallel Channels
European Commission spokesperson Paula Pinho emphasized that peace in Ukraine requires Vladimir Putin’s agreement, making talks with him “necessary at some point.” She told Euronews, “Unfortunately, we see no signs from President Putin that he wants to engage in such talks, so we haven’t reached that point yet, but we hope that at some point such talks will happen and lead to peace in Ukraine.” Meanwhile, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz informed Reuters on Friday that the EU is ready to negotiate on the war in Ukraine, but will not “open any parallel communication channels.”
