MOSCOW (Sputnik) — European security has never been so weak, however, the trend might be reversed, he noted.
"It will be difficult to normalize relations between Russia and the European Union. We agree on this with the European Union. In my opinion, a few things must be done. Firstly, we need to work out a feasible plan for coexistence, working within the given area of our close vicinity. We cannot let the region become a cordon sanitaire with some no man's land in the middle of the European continent. Claims of Russia’s intentions to create its sphere of influence are meaningless," Vladimir Chizhov stated at the Berlin Security Conference.
This can only be done by restoring relations between Moscow and Brussels, Chizhov stressed.
According to him, a thaw in bilateral ties will begin, when the anti-Russian campaign by Europe's media ends.
"Primitive anti-Russian sentiment or Russophobia" prevalent in European news outlets’ rhetorics is responsible for growing discord and deepening misunderstanding, he added.
Chizhov's remarks come amid expectations of the European Union extending its sanctions against Russia in December by another six months.
Relations between Russia and Europe deteriorated following the start of an armed conflict between Kiev and east Ukrainian independence supporters in early 2014. European politicians have accused Russia of taking part in the conflict, imposing sanctions on certain Russian individuals and entities.
Russia has been asserting its interest in a rapid resolution of the situation in Ukraine.
