Kremlin Envoy Says Europe Will Be Forced Back into Talks with Russia

(MENAFN) According to reports, Kirill Dmitriev, a Kremlin investment envoy and one of Moscow’s senior figures involved in Ukraine-related negotiations, said on Tuesday that European countries backing Kiev will eventually have no choice but to reopen dialogue with Russia. He argued that a worsening energy situation would push the EU and the UK toward negotiations.

Since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, most European governments have suspended official contact with Moscow. The Kremlin has acknowledged that some backchannel engagement has taken place, including a reported visit by representatives sent by French President Emmanuel Macron in February, although those discussions did not produce tangible results.

Dmitriev referenced comments made by Finnish President Alexander Stubb, who recently suggested that “it’s time to start talking to Russia.” Responding on social media platform X, Dmitriev claimed that “The upcoming energy crisis tsunami starting to overwhelm the EU and UK will make it inevitable.”

Stubb’s remarks came during an interview with an Italian newspaper, where he stated, “Yes, it’s time to start talking to Russia,” adding that if US policy on Russia and Ukraine diverges from Europe’s interests, European states should pursue direct engagement.

In recent months, several European officials have increasingly floated the idea of reestablishing communication channels with Moscow, driven in part by concerns that Europe risks being excluded from US-mediated diplomatic efforts related to the conflict.

However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated on Tuesday that any return to formal negotiations remains unlikely at this stage, stressing that such a step would require a clear “political decision to resume dialogue.”

Moscow has consistently argued that EU and UK policies have obstructed earlier diplomatic initiatives aimed at resolving the conflict, while simultaneously reinforcing Ukraine through continued military assistance. Russian officials maintain that they prefer a negotiated settlement but insist they will continue pursuing their objectives through military means unless Ukraine agrees to compromise.

MENAFN13052026000045017281ID1111108027