Leaders of the European Union wishing to engage in dialogue with Vladimir Putin can simply call him, said the press secretary of the President of Russia Dmitry Peskov. His words were reported on Monday by the Ukrainian news agency UNIAN, citing The Moscow Times.
Peskov commented on the ongoing discussions in Europe about possible contacts with Moscow.
“Such reflections are somewhat in the air, but in reality, Putin is as close to them as a telephone receiver,” Peskov said in an interview with journalist Pavel Zarubin.
The press secretary also expressed hope that this approach would ultimately prevail in Europe and find some real embodiment.
“The Russian side is ready for this,” he confirmed.
The publication noted that this statement was made against the backdrop of a call made over the weekend by Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna.
On Saturday, at the Lennart Meri conference, the Estonian minister delivered a speech in which he suggested not to activate negotiations with Russia, but rather to increase sanctions pressure.
“Now is not the time for talks or negotiations,” Tsahkna said, expressing the opinion that Moscow has intensified contacts with European countries precisely due to the weakening economy and the deadlock on the Ukrainian front.
The minister noted that Putin is running out of options, and the imposed sanctions are bearing fruit. As signs of Russia's vulnerability, the minister cited restricted internet access, economic decline, and a reduced format of the Victory Day parade on May 9.
“The tone has changed. Everyone understands that now is the most suitable moment to exert pressure on Russia,” said the Estonian Foreign Minister.
According to the publication, European Council President Antonio Costa was simultaneously speaking about the potential for negotiations with Moscow.
Costa claimed that he is consulting with leaders of all 27 EU countries to determine the range of issues to discuss with Russia when suitable conditions are created.
At the same time, Costa acknowledged that currently no one sees signs of Moscow's readiness for effective participation in serious negotiations.
Meanwhile, Peskov expressed the opinion that former Estonian Prime Minister and head of the EU foreign affairs department, Kaja Kallas, should not be a negotiator on behalf of the union with Russia.
“It will not be easy for her. If you remember, Putin said that anyone who has not yet had the chance to say a lot of nasty things can be [the negotiator],” said the press secretary of the Kremlin.
According to UNIAN, Kallas stated that the candidacy of former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder cannot be considered for the position of EU representative in negotiations with Russia. Kallas confirmed that Ukraine would not approve his candidacy.
“If we give Russia the right to appoint a negotiator on our behalf, it would not be very wise,” Kallas expressed her opinion.
“Schröder was a high-ranking lobbyist for the Russian state and companies, and it is clear why Putin wants to see him,” added the head of the foreign affairs department.
The publication Der Spiegel, citing its sources, reported that instead of Schröder, former German Chancellor Angela Merkel is considered a better candidate for the role of mediator, as she is personally acquainted with both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Putin. At the same time, Merkel's office stated to journalists that no official proposals for the role of mediator have yet been made to the former chancellor.
