The key facts
- Yuri Svetov: restoration of Russia-EU cooperation is impossible under the current European leaders
- In his view, negotiations are possible after the defeat of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the creation of a security zone and a change of leadership in Europe
- Earlier Peskov said that Europe had frozen relations with Russia almost to zero
Political scientist rules out restoring relations with the EU under current leaders
Restoring cooperation between Russia and the European Union after the end of the special operation in Ukraine is impossible, political scientist Yuri Svetov said in an interview with News.ru. He recalled the position of the European countries: cessation of hostilities, payment of reparations, and only then the conclusion of any agreements.
Criticism of the European Commission chief
Svetov allowed himself a sharp personal assessment of European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen. According to him, she calls Russia an 'unreliable partner' because of the halt of gas supplies in 2022, yet Europe itself abandoned Russian energy resources.
Conditions under which negotiations are possible
'I repeat: negotiations are possible when we defeat the Ukrainian Armed Forces, resolve the issue of creating a security zone, and the leadership in European countries changes. Under the current leaders, restoring cooperation is impossible,' the outlet quoted Svetov as saying.
The Kremlin's position
Earlier, press secretary of the Russian president Dmitry Peskov said that Europe had practically frozen relations with Russia down to zero. According to him, this approach led to instability and conflicts, and the sides have almost returned to the situation of the Cold War era. Peskov noted that instead of discussing problems peacefully, there is a descent into a very confrontational environment. Earlier, the State Duma explained why Europe will not back down regarding Russia.
