Moscow, The Europe Today: Europe’s negotiators have not yet tried to make contact with Russia, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said, raising fresh questions about Europe’s planned diplomatic outreach to Moscow.
Peskov: “No. Not Yet”
Asked whether the negotiators appointed by Europe had reached out to the Russian side, Peskov gave a short reply to media: “No. Not yet.”
His brief answer shows that, despite growing talk of a European negotiating track, no direct channel has been opened between the European team and the Kremlin so far.
Who Is on Europe’s Negotiating Team?
According to an Agence France-Presse (AFP) report on Friday, the EU delegation will include representatives of the European Commission, the European Council, Germany, France, Italy and Poland.
The United Kingdom will also be part of the team, even though it is not a member of the European Union. Its inclusion reflects London’s close coordination with European capitals on security matters.
A Heavyweight Line-Up Still Waiting to Engage
The make-up of the delegation brings together the EU’s main institutions and several of its most influential member states, along with Britain. That gives the team considerable political weight. But Peskov’s remarks make clear that this weight has not yet turned into any contact with Moscow.
Why It Matters
Europe is putting together a high-level negotiating team, and the Kremlin says it is still waiting to hear from it. The timing and form of any first contact will be watched closely across European capitals. They may show whether Europe can secure a direct seat at the table in future talks with Russia.
