Stranger in Moscow: Borrell’s unwelcome visit

What lessons can be drawn from Josep Borrell’s controversial visit to Moscow?

This month, High Representative Josep Borrell visited Moscow to discuss key issues of concern and test the waters for building a more “constructive dialogue” between Russia and the European Union. His visit came at a time of elevated tensions, as calls for sanctions against the Russian Federation are increasing and both sides debate over the recent poisoning and imprisonment of Alexei Navalny, as well as issues concerning the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. What lessons can be drawn from Borrell’s controversial visit? Why do attempts to reset relations with Russia fail? In this week’s episode, Mark Leonard is joined by Kadri Liik, senior policy fellow at ECFR and Russian domestic and foreign policy expert, Nicu Popescu, Director of ECFR’s Wider Europe Programme, and José Ignacio Torreblanca, head of ECFR’s Madrid office to discuss Europe’s strategy vis-à-vis Russia.

This podcast was recorded on 10 February 2021.

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Cover image:
High Representative of the European Union Josep Borrell walks to the Red Square n Moscow on February 06, 2021
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