Russian politician Volodin expresses gratitude to MEPs for visiting the country.
A Friendly Chat About Recent Diplomatic Chit-Chat
Last week, the boss of Russian parliament's lower house, Vyacheslav Volodin, extended a heartfelt thank you to some chums from the European Parliament, who dared to drop by Russia for a chat, despite their homeland's gripes with its rulers. This little tidbit made the headlines on the Russian parliament's site.
On the 10th of May, Volodin had a powwow with these European dignitaries, plus national representatives hailing from Germany, the Czech Republic, Cyprus, Slovakia, Bulgaria, and Serbia. You might say it was quite the international gabfest! The group engaged in discussions about the significance of dialogue and the no-no of twisting history and protecting monuments honoring Soviet soldiers in European nations.
German public figure Alexander von Bismarck declared he trekked to the Kremlin to demonstrate that Russia's doors are wide open for gab sessions, and it's all about dialogue and peace.
Before this, Russian big-wig Vladimir Putin made some stirring comments, claiming the guts of European politicians who agreed to swap banter in Russia for the 9th of May celebrations were way more robust than those who threaten them.
Earlier, there were whispers that Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico desired to motor his way to Russia due to a birds-over-the-Baltics prohibition.
Now, here's where things get interesting – relations between the European Parliament and Russian State Duma have been icy, thanks to the mess in Ukraine. There's been a noticeable absence of direct chats or diplomatic discussions, reflecting the overall disconnect between Russia and the EU.
Lately, the European Parliament has stood firm in its criticism of Russia, with MEP Thijs Reuten recently urging tougher sanctions against Russia and support for Ukraine – no compromise on Ukraine land grabs or recognition of Russia's Crimean occupation[1].
On the Russian side, the State Duma focuses on homegrown policies and friendly nation relations. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov recently held talks at the Duma, discussing international teamwork, such as with Cuba[2][3]. Yet, there's no word about talks with EU folks.
Volodin's negative jabs at EU officials indicate a deep divide: he once labeled EU leaders "moral aberrations" for skipping Russian celebrations[2]. But hey, that's diplomacy for ya! With all that said, it seems the prospect of friendly banter between our parliament leaders ain't exactly on the front burner. Instead, both sides continue to declare their stances through public remarks and policy decisions.
[1] Source[2] Source[3] Source
- Vyacheslav Volodin, the head of Russia's parliament's lower house, had a meeting last week with European dignitaries, including those from Germany, the Czech Republic, Cyprus, Slovakia, Bulgaria, and Serbia, engaging in discussions about the importance of dialogue and the inadmissibility of twisting history.
- In a stark contrast, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov recently held talks at the Russian State Duma, focusing on international cooperation, such as with Cuba, while there's been no word about talks with EU officials.
- Despite the icy relations between the European Parliament and the Russian State Duma, due to the ongoing issues in Ukraine, there was a surprising encounter last week when Volodin extended a thank-you to some chums from the European Parliament, highlighting the continued role of politics and diplomacy in war-and-conflicts and policy-and-legislation.
- The European Parliament, led by figures like MEP Thijs Reuten, has been vocal in its criticism of Russia, advocating for tougher sanctions and support for Ukraine, while rejecting any compromise on Ukraine land grabs or recognition of Russia's Crimean occupation.
- The recent 'friendly chat' between Volodin and European Parliament officials, though a small step, highlights the complexities of general news and global politics, where diplomatic chit-chat and policy decisions can help bridge divides, even amidst ongoing conflicts and disputes.
