The Kremlin on Friday welcomed what it described as a potential shift in European attitudes, as Italy, France, and Germany signaled a willingness to restart dialogue with Russia over the conflict in Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called the move a “significant shift” that aligned with Moscow’s view of how the situation should develop.

Peskov contrasted this with Britain’s position, noting that British Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper had indicated London does not believe the timing is right to re-engage. “As for Britain, yes, Britain continues to take a radical stance,” Peskov said. He added that statements by the three European leaders represented “significant progress from our perspective,” and if this reflected their strategic vision, it was consistent with Russia’s desired path forward.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni recently advocated for Europe to resume dialogue with Moscow, suggesting the EU appoint an envoy to communicate directly with President Vladimir Putin to influence peace negotiations.

French President Emmanuel Macron, in December, emphasized the need for a “fulsome dialogue” with Russia if a robust and lasting peace for Ukraine was not reached in the near term. Meanwhile, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz referred to Russia as a European country and expressed hope that ties between the EU and Moscow could be rebalanced, according to German media reports.

Moscow said it maintains ongoing discussions with the United States aimed at a peace deal in Ukraine, though talks with European governments have not yet occurred. The apparent willingness of certain EU states to engage directly is being interpreted in Russia as a positive step toward potential negotiations and a recalibration of regional diplomacy.