MOSCOW: The Kremlin on Friday described recent calls by European leaders to re-engage with Russia as “positive,” following statements by French and Italian officials advocating renewed dialogue over the Ukraine conflict.
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Dialogue between the European Union and Russia has largely stalled since Moscow launched its full-scale offensive on Ukraine in 2022. The EU has since imposed extensive sanctions and travel restrictions on Russia.
Kremlin Sees ‘Significant Shift’ in Europe Toward Dialogue With Russia
The Kremlin welcomed recent statements from leaders in Rome, Paris, and Berlin supporting dialogue with Moscow, calling it a positive change, if genuine, aligned with Russia’s views, Kremlin spox Dmitry… https://t.co/abpDDd9ADM pic.twitter.com/uwryVCbdTM
— Sputnik Africa (@sputnik_africa) January 16, 2026
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, “We have noted statements made in recent days by a number of European leaders. If this truly reflects the strategic vision of the Europeans, then it is a positive evolution of their position.” He added that support from Paris, Rome, and even Berlin for talks corresponds with Russia’s stance that stability in Europe requires engagement with Moscow.
French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni recently endorsed re-engaging with Russia, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz suggested the EU should find a “balance” with Moscow for the future. Peskov also singled out the United Kingdom, which has taken a more hardline approach, describing London’s stance as “destructive.”
Some European voices, such as German politician Armin Laschet, have called for renewed dialogue, warning that current arrangements, in which European positions are coordinated with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and conveyed by the United States, are “absurd.” Laschet argued that Europe must assert its own sovereignty in negotiations with Russia, echoing Macron’s proposal to develop a framework for engagement in the “coming weeks.”
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While Western leaders have insisted that Russian President Vladimir Putin remains the main obstacle to peace, Moscow has welcomed any signals of direct engagement. The Kremlin’s comments suggest it is monitoring European sentiment closely, particularly as France, Italy, and parts of Germany seek an independent approach to the conflict.