The spokesperson for the European Foreign Ministry, Peter Stano, announced that Europe has taken into account the comments made by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and the Kremlin regarding relations with the European Union.
Stano stated, "We have considered Mr. Lavrov's statements and the Kremlin's explanations. Regardless of these statements, the relations between the EU and Russia are not good, and we want to build valuable relationships with Russia based on respect for international law and commitment to it." He added that the EU foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, conveyed this message to Lavrov, stating, "In this context, we support a mutually beneficial relationship."
The Russian Foreign Ministry announced today that Moscow is prepared to sever ties with the EU if the latter initiates the break. The Russian Foreign Ministry clarified in its official statement: "We are ready to cut relations if the EU is the one to initiate it."
Moreover, they stated, "From our side, we call on EU members to cooperate on an equal basis and with mutual respect, as stated by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov."
Earlier today, Lavrov declared that Russia is ready to sever relations with the EU if the latter imposes sanctions that threaten sensitive sectors of the Russian economy.
EU countries criticize the court's decision regarding Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, as well as the detention of participants in the recent protests supporting him.
