On 25th and 26th April 2019, the European Leadership Network convened the Contact Group on Russia-West Relations in St. Petersburg, Russia for its seventh meeting. The ELN wishes to thank the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC) for their generous support in organising this meeting.

The Contact Group brings together individuals who can impact national and European policymaking and public debate and who shape or manage the consequences of present developments in Russia – West relations. Its aims are bridge building, networking, better mutual understanding and the generation of ideas for Europe’s future, including on overcoming the differences between Russia and the West.

The meeting in St. Petersburg covered topics of central importance to the current state of relations between Russia and the West, including the situation with regard to the INF Treaty, the stabilisation of Russia-NATO relations, and both sides’ geostrategic views of each other. While views differed, the value of vigorous and open discussion was reaffirmed. This note summarises the main themes of the discussion.