Russia Says Europe Does Not Want Dialogue

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that despite Western European countries' claims of desiring negotiations, their actions are actually hindering contact with Russia. Zakharova said, “They are doing everything so that these contacts never take place.” Criticizing the approach of Western European countries towards dialogue with Russia, Zakharova stated, “This approach is the complete opposite of seeking negotiation and contact. It's as if they are doing everything so that these contacts never happen.” Describing the policies of these countries as “double standards,” Zakharova noted that while the West talks about security guarantees for Kiev, they deliberately avoid making similar commitments to Moscow. In June, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin met with the ambassadors of the UK, Germany, and France in Moscow, drawing attention to the “destructive” policies of these countries regarding the Ukrainian crisis and outlining Russia's approaches to a solution.