The Kremlin has stated that Ukraine has the sovereign right to decide whether it wants to join the European Union (EU), adding that Moscow has no intention of dictating Kyiv’s approach to the matter.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov clarified Russia’s stance, emphasizing that while economic integration decisions are entirely up to Ukraine, security-related issues—especially military alliances—are an entirely different matter.
“This is the sovereign right of any country. We are talking about integration and economic processes. No one can dictate anything to any country, and we are not going to do that,” Peskov said.
However, he quickly drew a distinction between EU membership and Ukraine’s potential accession to military alliances, such as NATO.
“There is a completely different position on security-related matters, particularly defense or military alliances,” he added, reiterating Russia’s long-standing opposition to Ukraine joining Western-led military coalitions.
Russia’s statement comes amid ongoing tensions with Ukraine, following Moscow’s full-scale invasion in 2022. While the EU has been deepening its ties with Kyiv, NATO membership remains a contentious issue, with Ukraine actively seeking defense guarantees from Western allies.
The Kremlin’s remarks signal that while economic partnerships may not trigger a direct confrontation, security alignments remain a red line in Moscow’s geopolitical strategy.
