MOSCOW, February 15. /TASS/. Due to its ideological rigidity and refusal to engage in direct dialogue with Russia, Europe has effectively deprived itself of a seat at the negotiating table on the Ukrainian settlement, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin said in an interview with TASS.
He noted that because of their "ideological rigidity and outright incompetence," those currently responsible for shaping the foreign policy guidelines of "united Europe" have made a strategic miscalculation.
"By refusing direct dialogue with our country, Brussels has essentially deprived itself of a place at the negotiating table," Galuzin emphasized.
Responding to a question about the Russian Foreign Ministry’s assessment of the European Union’s intention to appoint its own negotiator for dialogue with Moscow on Ukraine, the Russian deputy foreign minister indicated that this initiative "is currently at the stage of internal discussion within the EU."
"It is typical that this initiative belongs to individual politicians from EU member states rather than to EU officials," he noted. "As for Brussels itself, judging by statements from officials, it regards the idea of appointing a special envoy rather coolly, since such a move would run counter to the Russophobic line of the EU’s foreign policy service — and personally of its head, Kaja Kallas — aimed at isolating our country and minimizing any contacts with Russia," Galuzin added.
He also noted that at present "EU bureaucrats are absolutely incapable of reaching agreements," as they operate exclusively in the language of ultimatums, demand unilateral concessions, and are focused on inflicting maximum damage on Russia.