"The fact is that the trade turnover has increased rather than decreased. But this is primarily due to the rise in energy prices, and there really was a reduction in some other important positions. But in general terms, the turnover increased," Meshkov said.
"There are no specially prepared contacts, but they take place quite regularly and are related to the general situation... This line for communication remains, but more in a situational mode", he added.
"The main actor is not in Europe, it is located overseas, so European countries cannot play any decisive role in a possible settlement process [in Ukraine]. By the way, Germany and France had their moment of glory when they were guarantors of the Minsk agreements. Unfortunately, they did nothing to have them implemented, so today we cannot count on any global participation of France," Meshkov said.