Vital cooperation. It is starting to dawn on the Russian authorities that dialogue with the EU is not a choice but a requirement, because the current system of reciprocal sanctions is costing Moscow more and more dearly: foreign investments are falling radically and the national currency is losing its value. At the same time, cooperation with Europe is positive, where there is any, even in the field of sports: the recent F1 race in Sochi was a great success, without any threats of boycotts from any of the European teams. The need to talk to Brussels, with each side obviously defending its own interests, is therefore increasingly starting to hit home in Russia.
For Europe as well, but with less anxiety, prolonging the mechanism of retaliatory measures in place with Russia is something of a burden, particularly on the agricultural sector; at the same time, some of the member states, led by Germany, take the view that various aspects of cooperation with Moscow are necessary. But for Vladimir Putin, it has become almost vitally urgent. This could be why he seems a bit more flexible over the Ukrainian dossier: Russia needs to resume its exports of gas and oil, which transit through Ukraine. The dovetailing of interests in this specific area is highly complicated, with a mix of political, historical, industrial and legal elements. Don't believe the threats that Europe will be cut off. Conciliation will start.
For its part, the EU has to weigh up the real cost of unlimited support to the Ukrainian authorities.
Overall, the situation is not yet moving on with the conviction and speed one would have liked to see. However, the need for compromise is becoming more and more imperative.
(FR)