No changes in the EU’s relations with the Russian Federation are expected in the near future: Borrell
As long as Russia’s war against Ukraine continues, changes in relations between the Russian Federation and the European Union are unlikely. This was stated by the High Representative of the EU, Josep Borrell interview Euractiv publication.
Answering a question about the possibility of revising relations with Russia in the event of a peace agreement, Borrell emphasized: “I do not see the possibility of concluding a peace agreement with Putin’s Russia in the near future”.
He also noted that certain changes in relations can happen only in the distant future, after the end of the war. However, the current situation, where the war is ongoing, creates clear “red lines” for the EU, and under such circumstances, relations will remain at the current level. Since the Russian authorities see themselves in a state of war with the West and Europe, no relations can be foreseen, he added.
“Putin makes it clear that he maintains his maximalist demands: the conquest of Ukraine, the subjugation of the Ukrainian people, and perhaps more ambitions beyond Ukraine… he seems more and more obsessed with restoring the Russian Empire as his main legacy.”, – said Borrell.
Borrell reminded that international arrest warrants have been issued for Putin and his entourage from the International Criminal Court for war crimes and crimes against humanity. He emphasized that “it is important to hold Russia accountable for their actions in Ukraine.”
Borrell concluded by mentioning Putin’s “negotiation experience,” probably referring to the Minsk agreements. Despite the fact that these agreements were intended to end the hostilities in Donbas in 2014, they were not able to completely stop the conflict, which only confirms the complexity of the negotiation process with Russia.
