Michel: EU-Russia ties are at a low point
President of the European Council Charles Michel (pictured left) said during a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) on Monday that the relations between the European Union and Russia are "at a low point" and noted there is currently "disagreement in many areas." The two talked about the coronavirus pandemic, vaccines, and regional and global issues, according to an official statement from the Council.
Michel concluded that "the relationship with Russia can only take a different direction if there is sustained progress on issues like the implementation of the Minsk agreements, stopping hybrid and cyber-attacks on member states and respect for human rights." He once again called on Putin to release opposition leader Alexey Navalny "and proceed with a transparent investigation into the assassination attempt on him."