MOSCOW, May 12. /TASS/. Russia doubts Europe's sincerity on Ukraine diplomacy even as new talks are floated, as it warns Franco-German nuclear cooperation could trigger a military response. Meanwhile, Iran is using control of the Strait of Hormuz as a powerful new strategic lever. These stories topped Tuesday's headlines in Russia.
Efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict may resume soon. Against this background, activity in the EU has intensified as the bloc has already announced preparations for talks with Russia. Moscow is still ready for dialogue with Brussels, even as it has not seen any change in approaches on the part of Europe toward reaching any agreements, the Russian Foreign Ministry told Izvestia. The recent visit to Kiev of the German defense chief, Boris Pistorius, who discussed strengthening military support for the Ukrainian regime serves as a confirmation of this belief. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on May 9 that the conflict was nearing an end and even said he could meet with Vladimir Zelensky on neutral ground. Against this backdrop, US President Donald Trump announced that he plans to send his negotiators to Moscow.
On May 7, European Council President Antonio Costa said he was consulting with all 27 EU leaders about how best to begin the negotiation process with Putin.
