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Kremlin Hits Out At EU Leadership Team

EU-RUSSIA

Wires carrying comments from Kremlin spox Dmitry Peskov regarding last night's nomination of individuals for EU leadership positions (see 'EU: Leaders Identities Confirmed, But Still Risks Around MEP Votes' 1012BST). Peskov says that the outlook for relations between Moscow and Brussels is bad. Claims that the decision to nominate Ursula von der Leyen as European Commission president for a second term 'won't change anything as she does not favour normalising ties with Russia'.

  • On the nomination of Estonian PM Kaja Kallas for the position of High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Peskov says that 'Kallas is known for her stark anti-Russian statements and has not shown any inclination towards diplomacy'.
  • Kallas' nomination is seen as a sign of intent from Brussels with regards to Russia. As the PM of a Baltic state bordering Russia, Kallas has been one of the most hawkish voices within the EU with regards to Russia. This is seen as a key factor behind outgoing Dutch PM Mark Rutte being selected as next NATO secretary general, with Kallas' appointment viewed as too provocative towards Moscow.

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