Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said in an interview with RIA Novosti that the European Union's position on the parameters of a settlement in Ukraine excludes Europe from the negotiation process. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.
"If you want peace, then first of all you must stop supporting the regime. But in reality, their position on the final parameters of a settlement excludes the Europeans from this negotiation process," the diplomat said.
Grushko recalled that Brussels wants Ukraine to return to its former borders, demands that Russia pay compensation and punish the "guilty," and also envisions the deployment of foreign troops in Ukraine and its admission to NATO.
The deputy foreign minister stated that the EU's main goal now is to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia — to deter it, deprive it of resources for development and sever strategic ties.
"As an example, one can cite their piracy at sea, which is fighting a shadow fleet that does not exist at the international level. This is a fabrication invented to justify their completely illegal actions and unprecedented assistance to Ukraine, including military equipment," he concluded.
On Friday, the Telegraph reported that Europe is considering five candidates to mediate with Russia on a settlement in Ukraine. Among the potential negotiators are Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Czech President Petr Pavel, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.