"Western powers want to end confrontational approach"

"Western powers want to end confrontational approach"

ROME -- Western powers want to find common ground with Russia and end their confrontational approach over Ukraine, Federica Mogherini has told.

The Russian broadcaster RT is reporting that the EU foreign policy chief also denied that the EU "differs from the U.S. in its position towards dealing with the crisis."

"It is not true that there is a soft Europe stance, which opposes the US hardline position. On the contrary, the latest data shows that trade between Russia and Europe is declining, while trade between Russia and the US is increasing," Mogherini said, and added that "Washington's views on Russia match those of Europe," while "everyone wants to get out of the logic of confrontation."

Mogherini "identified Ukraine as one of the top conflicts worrying Europe, especially regarding its impact on the eurozone's relations with Russia."

During an interview with the La Repubblica newspaper, Mogherini "suggested opening up direct dialogue with Moscow."

"On the one hand, we should strengthen our support for Ukraine, where the internal economic situation could very quickly become very serious. And, on the other hand, we should begin a direct debate with Moscow on our relations and the role Russia could play in other scenarios of the crisis," Mogherini said.

"Even in Kiev everyone asks the question of how the conflict could be brought to an end," the official added, saying that the situation is "very difficult for Russia." She added that it is in Moscow's interest to "cooperate."