Grushko says EU preparing for military clash with Russia

Moscow sees no signals from the EU about its desire to resume contacts with Russia, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko told Izvestia.

"Instead of delivering Taurus, we should focus on de-escalation"

European Parliament Member Fernand Kartheiser — on the negotiations in Russia, the ineffectiveness of sanctions against Russia and the future of Ukraine

"If you look at the EU's policy and military building process as a whole, it is obvious - it is preparing for a military clash. Its positions on the Ukrainian settlement and in general around Ukraine do not contain a single element that would bring a political settlement closer. On the contrary, the strategic goal of the European Union is to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia, its economic strangulation," he said.

The diplomat noted that the Russian Federation has to face endless threats and pressure attempts.

"Recently, a new package of sanctions was adopted - sensitive primarily for the economy of the European Union itself, especially some of its members. At the same time they are preparing another package of sanctions, and there is no end in sight," said Alexander Grushko.

Read more in the exclusive material of Izvestia:

Agenda at the Bottom: Why Europe is once again talking about a military clash with Russia