-Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Monday that discussions in Europe on the need for dialogue with Russia were a positive development, though the situation is still at an initial stage.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, while responding to questions on a potential negotiation mediator between Russia and Europe on Saturday, said he would prefer former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder for such a role. Putin noted that Europeans should choose their own leader, one they trust and who has not made hostile remarks against Russia.
“It is noteworthy that there is growing talk in Europe about the need for dialogue with Russia,” Peskov told Russian state media RIA Novosti. “We welcome this; it is a positive development, but we are still only at the beginning. We will see how things develop from here.”
Earlier, European Council President Antonio Costa said he was holding talks with EU leaders on preparations for negotiations with Russia once “the right moment arrives.” (Xinhua/GSF)