MOSCOW (Realist English). The first half of June 2026 has been marked by several major events for Russian diplomacy: the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), intensified contacts with Turkey across a wide range of regional issues, anticipation of the arrival of US envoys, and the first signs that the European Union is increasingly considering the need to resume dialogue with Moscow.
At the same time, Ukraine remains the main irritant, while the Middle East is an area where Moscow demonstrates its readiness to play the role of stabilizer.
SPIEF 2026: Putin Outlines the Framework for Compromise
The key event of early June was the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (June 3–6). On the sidelines of the forum, President Vladimir Putin met with the heads of leading global news agencies. The main foreign policy signal from the president concerned Ukraine. Putin confirmed Moscow’s readiness for peace talks with Kyiv based on the agreements reached at the Anchorage summit in August of last year.
“Russia agrees to the compromises we discussed in Anchorage,” the president said, stressing that the consent of the Ukrainian side is necessary to end the conflict. Putin also made it clear that control over the entire Donbas region and the conclusion of a deal “do not contradict each other.”
On the sidelines of the forum, Putin also met with Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng. The Russian head of state called cooperation with China an example of reliable partnership, noting the high level and pace of development of bilateral relations.
The US Track: Waiting and Readiness for Normalization
June has seen an intensification of dialogue with Washington, albeit without breakthrough results. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on June 15 that Moscow remains committed to the agreements reached in Alaska in August of last year. “We are committed to the agreements reached on August 15 last year in Alaska,” the minister emphasized.
Russia expects that the visit to Moscow of US President’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and businessman Jared Kushner will clarify Washington’s plans to implement these agreements. “We will expect from them a report on how the Americans plan to fulfill the agreements,” Lavrov noted.
Moscow does not hide its readiness to normalize relations with Washington, but on its own terms. Alexander Gusharov, Director of the North Atlantic Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated on June 2 that Russia is ready to move toward normalizing relations with the US on condition that its interests are respected and there is no interference in internal affairs.
At the same time, negotiations on a Ukrainian settlement are on hold, although communication channels with the US have not been interrupted.
China: De-dollarization and Strategic Partnership
Relations with China continue to strengthen. Russian Ambassador to China Igor Morgulov said on June 11 that almost all Russian-Chinese trade is conducted in rubles and yuan. Trade turnover between the two countries has exceeded $200 billion for three consecutive years, and this year its growth exceeds 20%. Morgulov also noted that a portfolio of about 80 major joint investment projects in industry, logistics, and mining has been formed.
Vladimir Putin, commenting on the results of his visit to China in late May, said that Moscow and Beijing will continue to work together in the interests of building a “fair, democratic multipolar world order.”
The European Vector: Testing the Waters
Despite its public rhetoric, the European Union has made attempts in recent weeks to resume dialogue with Russia. According to the Financial Times, brief contacts have taken place to open channels of dialogue. One of the publication’s interlocutors explained: “In any future scenario, the EU will have specific interests to protect. That is why it is important to establish diplomatic channels of dialogue with Russia.”
Notably, on June 11, the ambassadors of the UK, France and Germany met with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin at the Russian Foreign Ministry headquarters. However, Lavrov stated on June 15 that the ambassadors had “brought nothing new,” merely “persistently trying to offer their services, clearly not wanting to remain outside the process.”
European leaders, according to the Russian foreign minister, are making the mistake of assuming that Russia is losing and therefore can be issued ultimatums. “These calculations… are completely useless and illusory,” Lavrov concluded.
Turkey: Coordination Across the Full Spectrum
On June 15–17, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan paid a working visit to Moscow. His program included talks with Sergey Lavrov and a meeting with the Secretary of the Russian Security Council. The sides discussed the situation in the Middle East, the Black Sea region, the South Caucasus and Central Asia.
On June 17, Fidan also met with the Secretary of the Russian Security Council.
The focus was on the Iran-Israel conflict, the Palestinian problem, and security in the Black Sea region. Moscow is particularly concerned about provocations by the Kyiv regime against vessels heading to Turkey, as well as threats to the TurkStream and Blue Stream gas pipelines.
As noted by the Russian Foreign Ministry, dialogue with Ankara is intensive at all levels.
The Ukrainian Crisis: Readiness for Talks and Lack of Channels
Ukraine remains at the center of the foreign policy agenda. Lavrov confirmed on June 8 Russia’s readiness for honest negotiations “without cheating.” However, according to Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov, negotiations on a Ukrainian settlement are on hold.
On June 17, after talks with Fidan, Lavrov stressed the need to eliminate the root causes of the crisis in Ukraine, including NATO’s expansion into Ukraine. The invitation for Zelensky to come to Moscow remains valid, but in Moscow’s assessment, Kyiv is not ready for this.
Kyiv, for its part, is putting forward an unacceptable format for starting negotiations. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin had earlier indicated that the Ukrainian side stubbornly rejects the negotiating process.
The Middle East: Welcoming Peace Between the US and Iran
Moscow welcomes the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran and expects a speedy end to the conflict. Lavrov held a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi. Rosatom head Alexey Likhachev said that Russia welcomes statements about readiness to sign the memorandum, and that the IAEA should take responsibility in the context of the Middle East conflict.
Earlier, on June 5, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said that Russia had updated its security concept for the Persian Gulf and was ready to facilitate negotiations between the US and Iran.
Belarus: Alliance and Integration
Lavrov’s meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on June 15 was devoted to international affairs and the Union State. The sides discussed upcoming joint events, including an international cultural forum, a forum in Brest marking the start of the Great Patriotic War, and a meeting of parliamentary assemblies.
Sanctions Policy: Readiness for a Tough Response
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said on June 10 that Russia would respond effectively and harshly to the new EU sanctions package. Zakharova also called on the parties to immediately cease military attacks in the Middle East, stressing that there is no alternative to a political and diplomatic solution.
Expert Opinion: EU Unity is Cracking
Against the backdrop of economic difficulties within the European Union, contradictions are growing. On June 15, experts noted that “economic difficulties are beginning to erode the unity of the European Union.”
In Germany, proposals for settling the Ukrainian conflict formed at the London summit were called unpromising.
Some EU countries, according to Russia’s Permanent Representative to the OSCE Dmitry Polyansky, are aware of the need to resume dialogue with Moscow.
