Russia rejects EU ultimatums as bloc tests new Kremlin contacts

Russia said it is willing to talk with European countries but will not negotiate under pressure, as the European Union cautiously reopens contacts with the Kremlin after more than a year of keeping its distance. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow is open to "real dialogue" if Europe drops what he called a posture of strength and ultimatums. The shift follows brief diplomatic contacts by the office of European Council President Antonio Costa, according to an EU official. Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker also said the EU should use momentum around Ukraine peace efforts to restart negotiations with Vladimir Putin. The outreach has stirred divisions in Brussels, where some leaders want the bloc to keep tightening pressure on Russia instead.