In a telephone discussion between Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron on July 2, “The presidents exchanged opinions on the status of and prospects for developing ties between Russia and the EU. It was noted that the development of constructive and predictable relations between Russia and the EU and a return to normal and respectful dialogue would help resolve current and urgent problems like the struggle against international terrorism, healthcare, climate, and the settling of regional problems. Vladimir Putin emphasized that Russia is ready for this if the EU reciprocates with sincere interest,” reported the Kremlin.
“The presidents discussed in detail a broad range of issues of bilateral cooperation in international affairs. They focused on the problems of stability and security in Europe. It was noted in this context that the agreements reached by the Presidents of the two countries in Bregançon in August 2019 on developing cooperation in creating a new architecture for security and trust in Europe remain topical,” referring to their summit on President Macron’s invitation, and in which Macron expressed interest to see Russia reunited with Europe “from Lisbon to Vladivostok.”
According to the Kremlin, “During a discussion of the domestic crisis in Ukraine, the leaders supported the intensification of the talks with a view to consistent implementation of the 2015 Minsk Package of Measures that has been and remains the only foundation for a settlement. The President of Russia pointed out Kiev’s destructive actions that subvert the efforts to reach a settlement, in part, in the Normandy format. Emphasis was laid on the need for the Ukrainian authorities to fully implement their commitments, primarily, on establishing a direct dialogue with Donbas and the legal processing of its special status.” The Normandy format involves Russia, Ukraine, Germany, and France. [http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/66055]
They also addressed bilateral cooperation, in trade and economic cooperation, as well as in the energy, cultural and humanitarian sectors. Their wish to restore Russia EU relations does not depend only on them, of course, and the Baltic countries and Poland have blocked any such effort.
