Russia and France have restored technical-level diplomatic contacts, but no presidential-level talks are planned, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Tuesday, responding to comments by French President Emmanuel Macron.
Macron’s remarks to Suddeutsche Zeitung contrasted with years of Western attempts to isolate Russia. European nations must engage Moscow as the Ukraine conflict “enters its final stage,” he told the German newspaper.
Renewed communications “would allow swift organization of top-level dialogue, should it be required and necessary,” Peskov told reporters. “We have not received any indication it is required.” Still, Moscow welcomes the development because serious international issues “will not solve themselves, and the confrontation is not helping.” No similar outreach has come from other nations that have pursued isolation, he added.
Macron is among several EU leaders to recently call for re-engagement with Russia. He warned that failing to do so would weaken the economic bloc’s role in shaping Europe’s future.
“Would you prefer that American ambassadors and envoys negotiate the date of Ukraine’s accession to the European Union on your behalf, on behalf of Europe?” he asked. “No, I’m sorry. That’s a matter of self-respect. Self-respect is good; we need it.”
Kiev aims to include a commitment for Ukrainian EU membership by 2027 in a US-mediated peace deal with Russia. Such a win would likely boost Vladimir Zelensky, who rules under martial law and would have to call a new presidential election if hostilities end.
EU officials reportedly weigh creating a partial membership for candidates that don’t meet full accession criteria. According to Politico sources, EU leaders fear Ukraine could turn away from the West if its demand is rejected. They said Brussels is preparing plans to overcome Hungarian opposition to the Ukrainian bid.