Russia claims that it is open to dialogue with European countries, but will not accept ultimatums.

Russia has declared that it is open to dialogue with European countries, but will not accept ultimatums, in the context in which the EU may seek to initiate discussions with Moscow.

The Kremlin's spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, emphasized that Europeans must abandon the mistaken notion that negotiations should be conducted from a position of strength. President Putin stated that he is willing to talk, but that European governments should take the first step.

In recent weeks, the EU has begun to establish diplomatic contacts with the Kremlin, while the Austrian Chancellor suggested accelerating peace negotiations. Peskov mentioned that Russia will only discuss if the European side is open to a real dialogue, without moralizing or ultimatums.