Kremlin welcomes European leaders' calls for Russia dialogue

Saturday 17 January 2026 - 10:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Kremlin welcomes European leaders' calls for Russia dialogue

The Kremlin has welcomed recent signals from leaders in France, Italy, and Germany supporting renewed dialogue with Moscow over the Ukraine conflict, describing it as a positive shift in European thinking after years of diplomatic isolation. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov highlighted statements from Paris, Rome, and Berlin as recognizing that European stability requires engaging with Russia. If this truly reflects a strategic European vision, he told reporters, it marks a welcome evolution in their stance.

These remarks underscore Moscow's positive reception to growing calls from major EU powers to reopen frozen diplomatic channels since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated on January 9 that Europe must now talk with Russia too, arguing that limiting dialogue to Ukraine alone would hinder the continent's positive role in peace talks. She suggested the EU appoint a special envoy to deal directly with President Vladimir Putin.

French President Emmanuel Macron has previously advocated for comprehensive talks with Moscow in coming weeks if no lasting Ukraine peace emerges. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz joined the chorus this week, calling Russia a European country and expressing hope that the EU will eventually restore balance in relations with its largest neighbor.