Putin offers Europe talks And defends asset controls

Oct 1

Lorenzo Maria Pacini asks how Europe and Russia might reopen dialogue and whether Italy can belong to the Greater Eurasian Partnership. Putin says he already considers Italy part of that partnership and treats EU membership as Italy’s choice. He offers dialogue with the EU or individual countries without preliminary conditions, adding that Europe must impose none either, and criticizes European economic policy. In a connected follow-up, Lukyanov asks about foreign-owned assets in Russia. Putin distinguishes external Russian administration from confiscation, describes the measures as reciprocal protection and says owners could recover management if relations improve. His characterization of asset measures is retained as his position; the passage does not establish a particular completed return of property or a new negotiated opening with Europe.

Putin urges regional cooperation to address climate, environmental, poverty and inequality challenges neglected amid global confrontation. He advocates the Greater Eurasian Partnership to protect connectivity and expand cooperation among distinct civilizations. In the Pacini exchange he says he already regards Italy as part of the partnership and treats EU membership as Italy’s own choice. In the Wang exchange he says Russia and China are linking Belt and Road with Russian initiatives including this partnership, with positive results. These are cooperation positions and attributed assessments, not a newly signed agreement or decision on Italy’s EU membership.