Putin calls on von der Leyen to help improve EU-Russia links

Vladimir Putin called for the strengthening of ties between Moscow and the EU during an official visit to Italy on Thursday — and called on the prospective new European Commission chief to help make that happen.
"Ursula von der Leyen's role will be key to determine the shape of future relations between us and the EU," the Russian president said during a joint press conference with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte.

"Russia-EU relations must be developed on the basis of equality and mutual respect," Putin said.
The Russian president said his country was being asked to make an extra effort to solve the conflict in Ukraine but "we can't be handed the full responsibility [...] the other parties involved should also do their part."
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