Albania's prime minister made a strongly pro-Russian statement

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama stated that the European Union made a strategic mistake by cutting off direct channels of communication with Moscow due to the war against Ukraine. In his view, the lack of contact with Russia could weaken the EU’s position in future diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict. 

He made these remarks in an interview with Politico.

Rama emphasized that Europe must always maintain dialogue with all parties, even during wartime, in order to retain influence over the situation. This position sharply contrasts with the official stance of Brussels, where direct negotiations with the Russian leadership are considered inappropriate until the aggressor changes its policy. EU institutions emphasize that international isolation and sanctions remain the key instruments of pressure at this time.

The Albanian leader added that his country’s lack of energy dependence on Russia allows him to openly express such views without fear of economic pressure. Despite Rama’s calls, most EU countries continue to insist on maintaining a hard line toward Moscow until hostilities cease.

Earlier, thousands of people gathered in the Albanian capital of Tirana to protest a corruption scandal.

Protesters took to the city center demanding the resignation of Edi Rama’s government amid corruption allegations against Deputy Prime Minister and Rama’s close ally Belinda Balluku.