Putin: Russia Does Not Object to Ukraine’s EU Membership

During a meeting in Moscow between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, key political statements were made regarding Ukraine, the European Union, and Russia’s relations with the West.

The Russian president emphasized that Russia has never opposed Ukraine’s membership in the European Union. However, according to him, Ukraine’s accession to NATO is categorically unacceptable for Moscow. Putin stressed that Russia has never had and will never have intentions to attack any countries, calling Europe’s accusations of aggression either a provocation or a result of incompetence.

The head of state also noted that Russia had long refrained from responding to Ukrainian Armed Forces’ strikes on energy facilities but has now begun carrying out serious retaliatory strikes. Among other statements were signals of readiness for dialogue: Putin expressed confidence that consensus on Ukraine’s security guarantees is possible and reaffirmed Moscow’s willingness to work with the U.S. and Kyiv on issues related to the safety of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

The president recalled that it was during Donald Trump’s presidency that Russia first felt it was being heard in the U.S., referring to the summit in Alaska. Putin reiterated that Russia’s only goal in Ukraine is the protection of its national interests, including the population that has linked its fate with Russia.

For his part, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico criticized the European Union, calling it a “frog at the bottom of a well” because of its limited worldview. He voiced disagreement with Ukrainian strikes on oil pipelines and stated that Slovakia would vote against the adoption of the Repower EU plan, which envisions phasing out Russian energy resources by 2027.

Fico stressed that his meeting with Vladimir Putin may draw criticism, but he is ready to use it as an opportunity to convey Moscow’s position to the EU. He also confirmed that he considers Ukraine’s NATO membership unacceptable.

This diplomatic meeting demonstrates the continuing interest of some European countries in pursuing an alternative policy toward Russia and the desire for balanced dialogue amid global instability.