Kremlin confirms openness to negotiations with Europe

On May 8, 2026, the Kremlin announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin is prepared to engage in negotiations with European leaders. This statement followed a Financial Times report suggesting that the European Union is preparing for potential talks, a shift attributed to European frustration with U.S.-led peace initiatives under President Donald Trump. European Council President Antonio Costa reportedly indicated potential for such talks with Ukrainian support. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that while Russia is open to dialogue, it will not initiate contact, arguing that the Europeans were responsible for severing relations in 2022. Furthermore, the Kremlin denied a report by Der Spiegel claiming that foreign journalist credentials for the May 9 Victory Day parade in Moscow had been revoked. Peskov clarified that no credentials were cancelled, though access for foreign media has been limited due to schedule changes for the event.