EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep BorrellBRUSSELS Feb 16The European Union sees «encouraging signals» on the security crisis in Europe, but it is also concerned about «some actions» by Moscow, EU diplomat Josep Borrell said. We see some signals that are encouraging, but there are also disturbing developments, such as the decision of the State Duma to ask the President of Russia (Vladimir Putin — ed.) to recognize the DPR and LPR,» he said, speaking to MEPs in Strasbourg He added that the EU «should continue to offer two things: a readiness for dialogue (with the Russian Federation — ed.), since negotiations are needed, … but also a readiness for a response, including sanctions.» At the same time, the head of European diplomacy admitted that «Russia's concerns about security must be taken into account.» In turn, the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, also stated the need for the EU to «remain vigilant» in the current situation.
The operation to force Russia into war has failed «We must remain vigilant, despite yesterday's news, NATO has not yet stated a decrease in the number of Russian troops,» she told the European Parliament. Russian Federation Igor Konashenkov said on Tuesday that the Russian Armed Forces will return to their places of permanent deployment at the end of the exercises. Press Secretary of the President Dmitry Peskov told reporters that the withdrawal of the military to the places of deployment after the exercises is a common practice, there is nothing new in this. the issues of suppressing and repelling external aggression, as well as countering terrorism and protecting the interests of the Union State, were worked out. Representatives of Russia and Belarus have repeatedly stated that the maneuvers are defensive in nature and do not threaten anyone. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, at a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, said that the possibilities for dialogue between Moscow and the West on security guarantees have not been exhausted, and the chance to negotiate with the West there is always.
The media talked about the differences between the US and Europe on sanctions against Russia
