Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin’s spokesperson, clarified Russia’s position on Ukraine’s ambitions to join the European Union, stating that while Ukraine has the sovereign right to pursue EU membership, this doesn’t extend to military alliances like NATO. Peskov emphasized that Russia wouldn’t interfere with Ukraine’s economic integration with the EU, a process Kyiv formally began in June 2024.
However, he quickly pointed out that Russia’s stance on Ukraine’s NATO aspirations remains firmly opposed, viewing Ukraine’s membership in the alliance as a direct threat. Peskov’s remarks came as the U.S. and Russia held discussions about Ukraine’s future, excluding Ukrainian officials from the talks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, meanwhile, has been vocal about Ukraine’s EU ambitions, stressing that the country is already an integral part of Europe and will eventually join the European Union as an equal member.
