The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that Moscow will not initiate cutting ties with the European Union unless the latter is the one to start severing them.
In an official statement released recently, the Russian Foreign Ministry stated that Russia is prepared to cut relations if the European Union takes the initiative to do so. The ministry urged EU members to engage in mutual respect and equitable cooperation, highlighting comments made by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
Today, Friday, Lavrov announced that Russia is ready to sever ties with the EU if the latter imposes sanctions that endanger sensitive sectors of the Russian economy.
Additionally, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Friday that the meaning of Lavrov's comments regarding cutting relations with the EU has been distorted, asserting that Russia will not be the one to initiate such a move and instead wishes to develop those relationships. Peskov explained that the media presents catchy headlines without context, which he deemed a significant mistake as it alters the meaning of the discussion, clarifying that Russia does not wish for this but rather seeks to enhance its relationships with the EU. He added that if the EU chooses to go down this path, Russia will be prepared for it because we must prepare for the worst.
Peskov emphasized that the narrative suggesting Russia will initiate cutting ties with the EU is incorrect.
Meanwhile, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell announced during a plenary session of the European Parliament, while discussing his visit to Moscow, that Russia has shown a lack of interest in restoring relations with the EU, describing the relationship as having reached a dead end. EU countries criticize the court's decision regarding Alexei Navalny and the detention of participants in unauthorized events supporting him.
