EU's 'Biggest Mistake': Peskov Slams Talks From 'Position of Strength'

The Kremlin has criticized the EU over its current approach to peace negotiations, arguing that efforts to frame future talks around leverage and pressure are fundamentally misguided even as Moscow signals readiness for dialogue.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov delivered the remarks at his regular briefing in Moscow on Friday, where he addressed ongoing Ukrainian strikes on the Russian capital and the prospects for renewed dialogue with the EU, according to Russia’s state news agency TASS.

“The Europeans have a very big misconception – they assume that negotiations with Russia should be conducted from a position of strength,” Peskov said, arguing that European governments are wrong to believe they can negotiate with Russia based on what they perceive as Moscow’s weakness.

“This is their biggest mistake, whether it stems from their incompetence,” he continued, “their misinformation or their stupidity.”

Moscow says it remains open to negotiation

Despite his criticism towards the EU’s approach, Peskov announced Moscow remains open to negotiation.

“We were not the initiators of scaling down these contacts to zero,” he explained.

He insisted on “common sense” and mutual recognition of realities on the ground, maintaining that Russian President Vladimir Putin has “repeatedly” stated Moscow’s readiness for dialogue – provided there are no ultimatums and “moralizing” tone from the EU.

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“The [Kyiv] regime continues to take this path, one that’s not aligned with negotiations,” Peskov said, adding that “appropriate measures are being taken” in response to recent attacks.