SIMFEROPOL, October 23. /TASS/. European leaders have undermined their credibility as partners in dialogue, making their presence at the negotiating table with Russia inappropriate, while US President Donald Trump could convey their views, State Duma member representing the Republic of Crimea Mikhail Sheremet told TASS.
Politico previously reported that European Union countries were concerned about their status in the Ukraine negotiations and were trying to find someone who could represent the bloc’s interests. According to The Telegraph, candidates for the role include Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Czech President Petr Pavel, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.
"The frenzied, revanchist and Russophobic policies of the leaders of several European countries have led them into a political and economic dead end, leaving them entirely incapable of engaging in constructive dialogue with their key neighbor and economic donor, peace-loving Russia," Sheremet said. "That is why I am convinced that, under the difficult circumstances now emerging, Europe’s interests at the upcoming talks could be represented by its strategic ally, US President Donald Trump, who commands authority and enjoys the trust of the European Union."
The US president and European Union politicians have repeatedly exchanged harsh remarks. Sheremet believes that disagreements between the White House and several European capitals are not as deep as they appear publicly. "I am convinced that America remains Europe’s key partner and most important ally," he emphasized.
The lawmaker also noted that, as Europe is repeatedly rocked by unrest, "one cannot help but recall the times of European prosperity under the leadership of level-headed, civilized politicians such as Silvio Berlusconi, Angela Merkel and Viktor Orban," who were capable of redirecting Europe’s confrontational agenda toward a constructive and peaceful course.
"Today, public support for the leaders of major countries such as Germany and France does not exceed 15%, and they are afraid to meet their own citizens in public, raising serious questions about their legitimacy," Sheremet said.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov previously said that Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates was currently being considered the main venue for trilateral talks between Russia, the United States and Ukraine.