OREANDA-NEWS. As stated in the Russian Foreign Ministry, the European Union wanted to arrange a "public flogging" for Russia through a visit to Moscow by Josep Borrell, but it did not work out.

The visit of the EU representative for foreign policy and security to the Russian capital lasted three days - from 4 to 6 February. After the end of the visit, he said that at the upcoming meeting of the heads of European foreign ministries, which is scheduled for February 22, its participants may decide to expand sanctions against Russia.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova commented on this on Vesti FM: "I will tell you a secret about our western partners: when they fail to spank, they start hysterical. Borrel's task was to conduct this public spanking, which they, it seems to me, they planned very carefully. They were going to talk about the rallies, and talk about journalists, and Navalny to make the main topic. They were going to mix everything in one heap, dump it and leave with a contented air. "

In her opinion, the "public flogging of Russia" did not work out because "the Russian side offered to discuss real issues - from problems to development prospects."

The day before, the Foreign Ministry said that Borell's criticism of Russia upon arrival in Brussels contrasts with his speeches during the trip.