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Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Tuesday that Moscow has never opposed Ukraine’s potential membership in the European Union, distinguishing it from NATO accession, which he described as “unacceptable.” Speaking during talks with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Beijing, Putin said he believes a consensus can be reached on ensuring the security of both Russia and Ukraine.
Putin’s remarks come amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the conflict that began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. He emphasized that while EU membership poses no direct threat to Russian interests, NATO expansion into post-Soviet territories remains a red line for Moscow.
The Russian leader also dismissed Western fears of further aggression into Europe as “hysteria” and reiterated his view that the war was triggered by perceived security threats from NATO’s eastward expansion.
Putin added that discussions on Ukraine’s security had taken place with U.S. President Donald Trump during a summit in Alaska, suggesting that viable alternatives to NATO membership could form part of a future peace framework.
