Kremlin Signals Openness to Europe Dialogue

(MENAFN) Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Monday acknowledged a growing appetite for dialogue in Europe with Moscow as an encouraging sign, while cautioning that the diplomatic momentum remains in its earliest stages.

The remarks follow comments made Saturday by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who — when pressed on the question of a potential mediator between Russia and Europe — expressed a preference for former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder to fill that role. Putin stressed that Europeans should independently select a representative they trust, provided that individual has refrained from making hostile statements directed at Russia.

"It is noteworthy that there is growing talk in Europe about the need for dialogue with Russia," Peskov told Russian state media. "We welcome this; it is a positive development, but we are still only at the beginning. We will see how things develop from here."

The Kremlin's measured optimism comes on the heels of remarks by European Council President Antonio Costa, who disclosed that he was actively consulting EU leaders on laying the groundwork for eventual negotiations with Russia — contingent on "the right moment arrives."

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