Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that the break in relations between Russia and the EU began a long time ago, and Brussels is tearing them apart. It was reported by TASS.
"We are ready to discuss the problems. When it is in Russia’s interests, we cooperate on the issues of climate change, on environmental issues. However, the carcass of these relations was deliberately destroyed on Brussels’ initiative," the Russian minister said.
According to Lavrov, the EU has been consistently severing ties with Moscow. He emphasized that Brussels gradually destroyed all mechanisms that existed on the basis of the agreement on partnership and cooperation, including the summits that were held twice a year, annual meetings between the Russian government and European Commissioners and President of the Commission, projects to form four common spaces, more than 20 sectoral dialogues and annual meetings of the Partnership and Cooperation Council involving the Russian foreign minister and EU high representative.
At the same time, the top Russian diplomat emphasized, Russia will be ready to revive the ties if the EU decides to take this step.
The European Union commented on Russia's statement, saying that they see no reason to comment on each specific statement of Russian Foreign Minister. This was announced by the representative of the European External Action Service Peter Stano.
As we reported earlier, Lavrov announced that the Russian government seriously considers cutting the ties with the EU. He explained this as a countermove, a response to the ongoing policy of EU sanctions.
"We don't want to isolate ourselves from world affairs, but we have to be prepared for that," the Minister said.
The dispute is going on between the Western bloc and the Kremlin, as Putin's rival and major opposition figure Alexei Navalny was sentenced to prison term.
