Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union, calls for “vigilance” in the face of Russia’s announcements

“Always check”reacted Wednesday February 16 on France Inter Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, while Russia announces the end of the maneuvers and the departure of the Crimean forces. “Russia plays with cold and hot”he continued while calling for “to remain vigilant” also in the face of announcements of Russian withdrawal to the borders of Ukraine. “President Macron’s visit to Moscow marked the end of the escalation, can we say that it is the beginning of the de-escalation, yes maybe”said Josep Borrell.

“There are encouraging signs, we have to check them”he said, recalling that there is also “worrying signs” in the fact that the Russian Parliament passed a proposal to ask President Putin to recognize the independence of pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine, “it’s leaning the wrong way”. According to him, “No one knows what can happen, not even President Putin”.

“One day we are told that he will return to the negotiating table, the next day he sends a squadron to the Black Sea, we must be prepared to negotiate if we can and to exercise deterrence if the negotiation does not is not possible.”

Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

at franceinfo

“There are things to negotiate because Russia has concerns for its security”declared the High Representative of the European Union, considering that it is necessary “probably review the architecture of security in Europe”. According to him, “the only way” respond “to fears” Russians “to be surrounded”, “is to sit at the table and discuss” for “to know which nuclear weapons are deployed in Europe on one side and on the other, which military exercises each one is doing and to discuss the role of NATO in the collective defense of Europe”.