PESKOV: IT'S IN KALLAS' INTEREST NOT TO BE A NEGOTIATOR WITH RUSSIANS

MOSCOW, MAY 17 /SRNA/ - The discussion in Europe about negotiations with Russia is seen as a significant shift, but it is in the interest of the EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas not to be a negotiator, said spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.

Peskov stated that this active debate about dialogue with Russia represents a move toward recognizing that, at some point, there will have to be talks with Russians, but he believes it is in Kallas’ interest not to be the one conducting them, as it would not be easy for her.

“If you remember, President Vladimir Putin said that it could be anyone who has not had time to say many bad things,” Peskov said.

Peskov added that the Russian president is as close to Europe as a telephone receiver in his hand.

“Let us hope that a practical approach will prevail in Europe and that this will take on a real form. The Russian side will be ready for it,” said Peskov, commenting on the possibility of talks between Putin and European representatives.

He recalled that French President Emmanuel Macron, who had promised to call Putin, never actually made it to the phone.