Relations between Russia, EU influenced by external factors: Diplomat

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Russia's Permanent Representative to the EU Vladimir Chizhov revealed that the situation in relations between Russia and the European Union is too exalted and is influenced by third parties that see alleged Russian "aggression" where there is none.

"The chorus of those who see Russian aggression where it does not exist and cannot exist ... affects the overall situation with its loudness," Chizhov told Sputnik.

It is noteworthy that Russian President Vladimir Putin met Monday with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron in Moscow to discuss the Ukrainian crisis and the issue of security guarantees, as part of a diplomatic move to defuse the situation with Ukraine, amid NATO's attempts to expand eastward in Europe.

Lack of dialogue with Russia not normal

The Russian diplomat indicated that the EU is increasingly aware that the lack of a full-fledged dialogue with Russia is not normal.

"The EU itself, by its decisions, has frozen the communication channels with Russia, including on security," he pointed out but added that some channels still exist.

Chizhov noted that at the highest political level, telephone contact is maintained between Russian President Vladimir Putin and President of the European Council Charles Michel.

Russia's Permanent Representative to the EU also added that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov maintains communication with the head of the European External Action Service Josep Borrell.

However, he confirmed that there have been no negotiations at all yet between Russia's Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.

The diplomat noted that for now, there could be no talk about the restoration of the work of the Russia-EU Permanent Partnership Council.

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