The Russian government says it hopes the EU will not link the bilateral relationship to the opposition leader Alexey Navalni.
Russia’s presidential palace spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters today (2nd) that “I hope the future of relations between Russia and the European Union will not be linked to the case of prisoners in custody.”
Spokesman Peskov’s remarks came before Josef Borel, a senior EU foreign and security policy representative, visit Moscow on the 4th and 6th.
“The relationship between Russia and the EU has been squeezed for no reason,” Peskov said. “We want the relationship between Russia and the EU to normalize and progress for the benefit of both sides. We are ready to do everything for that.” I said.
Earlier, on the 23rd of last month, EU senior leader Borel called for the release of Navalni and Russian protesters, and said that he would discuss “all matters”, including the Navalni issue, during his visit to Moscow.
Amidst this, the Moscow court held a trial against Navalni on the alleged violation of the parole law.
Navalni insisted that a case against him was fabricated in trial today, and President Vladimir Putin insisted that he was trying to imprison him this time after he survived the poisoning attack.
The Russian Federation’s Criminal Execution Authority demanded that Navalni be sentenced to three years and six months in prison for failing to report whereabouts to the authorities during the probation period.
About 10 Western diplomats attended the trial on the day, and the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized it as “an attempt to press the judges and suppress Russia.”
VOA news
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