Russia-Europe: What we have in common and what distinguishes us: the answer to the question of Russian philosofas, historians and writers

Abstract

Russia–EU relations are going through difficult times now. By its actions on the eve and during the Ukrainian crisis, the European Union has called into question its reputation as a reliable partner of our country. A serious blow to the relations was infl icted by unilateral sanctions decisions of the European Union, adopted to the detriment of mutual economic interests in the name of promoting the same geopolitical goals. The events of recent months have shown that the dynamically developing trade and economic ties between Russia and the EU have not yet developed into a genuine strategic partnership based on the principles of equality, indivisibility of security and mutual respect for interests. The outdated confrontational stereotypes of the Cold War, which instilled in the minds of European leaders the possibility of isolating Russia and abolishing Russian culture, are still making themselves felt. This article contains an answer to the question about the relations between Russia and Europe, which was previously heard from the lips of prominent representatives of the Russian creative intelligentsia, whose opinion is relevant today.