Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova commented on the words of the head of the department, Sergei Lavrov, about Russia’s readiness to sever relations with the European Union (EU). She expressed her opinion in an interview with the YouTube channel “Antonyms”.
According to Zakharova, over the years Moscow’s position has remained frank, transparent and very clear – Russia stands for interaction and development of cooperation. “There is only one nuance – it should be equal, mutually beneficial and mutually respectful – it would not be bad either. On what platform? Based on international law, the UN Charter,” she explained.
The representative of the department added that Russia has never sought to sever ties with the EU, and will take this step only if Brussels initiates. “The word“ ready ”has two meanings. Are we ready proactively, are we striving for this? No, we have never aspired to this, and this has been reaffirmed from year to year at all levels. Are we ready for the EU itself to come to this , because he talks about it almost every day? We are ready if it is their choice. But it is not our choice, “concluded Zakharova.
Earlier in an interview with TV presenter Vladimir Solovyov, Lavrov said that Moscow is ready to break off relations with the EU if Brussels imposes sanctions on sensitive sectors of the Russian economy. The minister stressed that Russia does not want to isolate itself from the rest of the world, but should not rule out such a development of events.
The Kremlin, however, said that the meaning of the words of the Foreign Minister was distorted and that Russia would not initiate a break in relations with the European Union. The Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed its readiness to sever relations with the EU in the event of an appropriate initiative from Brussels.