Peskov: Russia ready for talks with EU, but will not initiate them

Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to negotiate with everyone, including the European Union.

Thus, the press secretary of the Russian leader, Dmitry Peskov, commented on the statement by the President of the European Council, António Costa, about the potential for negotiations between the EU and the Russian president.

"Putin is ready for negotiations with everyone. He has repeatedly said this," Peskov stated.

At the same time, he noted that Russia will not initiate contacts with the EU on its own, although it is ready to advance in dialogue to the extent that Europe is prepared for it.

"Yes, we will be ready to move forward in our dialogue to the extent that the Europeans are ready. But, as [Russian President Vladimir] Putin has repeatedly stated, after the position taken by the Europeans, we will not initiate such contacts ourselves," the Kremlin representative declared.

Source: TASS