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Putin and Juncker to Discuss Ukraine at St. Petersburg Forum
Why does Juncker feel it necessary to hobnob with Putin in the days prior to the EU vote on rolling over sanctions? Crimea has not been returned. Fighting continues in the east with dead and wounded everyday. Moscow has not fulfilled even one of its Minsk II obligations. Today, Stop War - Stop Putin rallies will take place in 22 cities around Europe. Why doesn't Juncker attend one of those events instead of rubbing shoulders with Putin?
President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker
Russian President Vladimir Putin and President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker are to discuss foreign policy and Russia-EU ties at the upcoming St. Petersburg Economic Forum, news outlet RIA-Novosti reported Thursday. “It [the discussion] will be about the relationship between Russia and the European Union. It will be an exchange of views in regard to current regional problems and about Syria and Ukraine,” said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.
The St. Petersburg Economic Forum, Russia's self-styled version of the Davos Economic Forum, will take place between June 16 -18. The event takes place shortly before EU member states are scheduled to make their decision on renewing anti-Russian sanctions on June 30.
Juncker's decision to attend the forum has faced resistance from other European leaders, the Politico website reported, citing diplomatic sources. A number of countries, including the US, are concerned that Juncker's visit could strengthen Putin's position before the sanction vote. Juncker is the first leader of an EU institution to visit Russia since sanctions were put in place in 2014.
Why does Juncker feel it necessary to hobnob with Putin in the days prior to the EU vote on rolling over sanctions? Crimea has not been returned. Fighting continues in the east with dead and wounded everyday. Moscow has not fulfilled even one of its Minsk II obligations. Today, Stop War - Stop Putin rallies will take place in 22 cities around Europe. Why doesn't Juncker attend one of those events instead of rubbing shoulders with Putin?