Moscow: The representatives of European Union countries have declined an invitation to a meeting offered by Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Sergey Lavrov, as announced by Lavrov himself. The reason for their refusal is reportedly a lack of trust in the Russian government. Lavrov stated that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss the recent elections in Russia, particularly in countries where agreements have been signed. However, just two days before the meeting, the European diplomats informed Lavrov that they had decided not to attend.

Lavrov expressed his surprise and disappointment during a meeting with young activists, stating, “What do you think? Two days before the meeting, we received a message saying, ‘We have decided not to come’.” He also mentioned that the meeting was meant to address the information provided by the European Union, accusing European representatives of “interfering” in Russia’s presidential elections without invitation. However, the foreign experts who were invited to the meeting have declined to participate, despite the invitation extended by Lavrov.

Russia’s Permanent Mission to the European Union confirmed that Lavrov had indeed extended an invitation to European diplomats. However, the rejection was accompanied by a statement citing a “very low level of trust” and a lack of proposals for a sustainable peace agreement. An EU representative stated, “We were invited to discuss the relations between the EEU and Russia, but now Lavrov claims that we have misunderstood his intentions.” The representative also mentioned that the European Union has initiated calls for an investigation into the assassination of Russian politician Aleksey Navalny in Kalanavra on February 16, as well as the UN International Joint Investigation Group’s call for an independent international investigation into his death.