EU warns of ‘long, hard period’ in Russia ties over Ukraine, jailed critic Navalny
The EU’s foreign policy chief warned on Wednesday the bloc should brace for worsening relations with Russia after tensions soared with the Kremlin over Ukraine and jailed critic Alexei Navalny.
“We cannot discard that this negative trend continues and that we reach even more dangerous levels of deterioration,” Josep Borrell told the European Parliament.
For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
“We don’t want to feed a dynamic of escalation, let it be clear. But we nevertheless are showing that we will not accept intimidatory tactics and that we have to respond to them if they happen.”
Borrell’s comments come after a spike in Western criticism against Moscow massing troops on the border with Ukraine, the deteriorating health of Navalny and a diplomatic row with the Czech Republic.
Borrell -- who saw offers to cooperate rebuffed during a chastening trip to Moscow in February -- said the overall trajectory of ties with the Kremlin was heading downhill.
“I see a worrying trend from Russian authorities that seems to be choosing to deliberately deepen the confrontation with the West, with us,” he told lawmakers.
“We must therefore define a modus vivendi that will avoid permanent confrontation with a neighbor who seems to have decided to act as an adversary.
“I think that we have to be prepared for a long, hard period in our relationship with Russia,” he warned.
Tensions have appeared to ease slightly on two fronts after Russia said it was drawing down forces deployed near the Ukrainian frontier for drills and transferred Navalny to hospital.
But a spat sparked by Prague’s accusation that Russian intelligence was behind a deadly 2014 blast on Czech territory rumbled on Wednesday with Moscow kicking out seven diplomats from EU member states.
That move followed the coordinated turfing out of Russian embassy staff by some European capitals after tit-for-tat expulsions between Prague and Moscow.
Read more:
Macron urges ‘clear red lines’ with Russia amid buildup near Ukraine
Russia expels Ukrainian diplomat in tit-for-tat move
Ukraine army chief rules out offensive against pro-Russia separatists
-
US, NATO actions in Europe contribute to increased military threat: Russia
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Tuesday that actions by the United States and the transatlantic NATO alliance in Europe were ... World News -
Over 150,000 Russian troops massed on Ukraine’s border, Crimea: EU’s Borrell
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said Monday that Russia has massed over 150,000 troops along the Ukrainian border and in the annexed Crimea ... World News -
EU top diplomat says Russian troops on Ukraine border ‘dangerous,’ must withdraw
European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said a virtual meeting by EU foreign ministers would include discussions on the “very dangerous” ... World News -
EU ‘concerned’ over Navalny’s health in Russian penal colony
The EU on Sunday said it was “deeply concerned” about reports that Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny’s health was failing in a Russian penal colony and ... World News -
EU has ‘severe concern’ over Russian troop movements near Ukraine
European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on Sunday pledged the bloc's "unwavering" support for Kiev as he expressed major worries over ... World News -
US, Europe to cooperate on China dialog, Russia’s challenging behavior: statement
The US and Europe have agreed to relaunch a bilateral dialog on China and work together to address Russia’s “challenging behavior,” according to a ... World News