Grushko said that contacts between Russia and Europe are unsystematic

Contacts without system

Contacts between Russia and Europe are unsystematic, and at meetings Moscow is being demanded to capitulate. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko told RIA Novosti this, as reported by Gazeta.Ru. According to him, such contacts took place both on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly and through diplomatic channels between foreign ministries.

«The 'Russia must' position»

Grushko noted that Europeans «come and say what they state publicly» within the framework of the «Russia must» position. According to him, Europe demands «capitulation» from Russia and, «looking one in the eye», calls this the basis for a long-term settlement. At the same time, he said, if a peace formula is found on Moscow's terms, then it will be Western Europe's capitulation instead.

Context: assessments of the level of relations

Grushko's statement adds to an earlier assessment by the press secretary of the Russian president, Dmitry Peskov: in his words, Europe has practically frozen relations with Russia down to zero, which has led to instability and conflicts, and the sides have almost returned to a Cold War-era situation. Peskov noted that instead of discussing problems peacefully, a descent into a confrontational environment is taking place. Both statements reflect the Russian side's position; the publication provides no confirmations or reactions from European representatives. Gazeta.Ru also mentions that Ukraine earlier refused to surrender by «stopping resistance» to Russia.