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Key Points

Russia opposes Ukraine's EU bid, citing the bloc's militarization as a direct threat. Hungary blocked an EU statement supporting Kyiv, with Orban warning of prolonged conflict risks. The EU summit condemned Russia's actions while pushing for Ukraine's integration talks. Tensions escalate as Moscow and Budapest challenge Western-backed moves.

Key Points: Russia Opposes Ukraine EU Bid Citing Militarization Concerns

  • Russia cites EU militarization as key concern
  • Hungary blocks EU statement on Ukraine
  • Orban warns of endless war risks
  • EU summit condemns Russia's actions in Ukraine
2 min read

Russia says Ukraine's accession to EU does not meet Moscow's interest

Russia warns Ukraine's EU accession threatens Moscow's interests as Hungary blocks EU statement supporting Kyiv amid ongoing tensions.

"Ukraine's accession to the EU does not meet our interests – Vladislav Maslennikov, Russian Foreign Ministry"

Moscow, June 28

Ukraine's accession to the European Union (EU) does not align with Russia's interests, said Vladislav Maslennikov, Director of the European Problems Department at the Russian Foreign Ministry, on Saturday, as the EU is moving towards active militarisation and adopting countermeasures against Moscow.

"I see no reason why we should support the idea of Ukraine joining the European Union, particularly because the EU is moving towards active militarisation, virtually setting the task of constantly opposing us, including in terms of resolving the Ukrainian crisis," Russian newspaper Izvestia quoted the Russian official as saying.

"One should not forget here that the European Union has an article in the Treaty of Lisbon, which is no less significant than Article 5 of the Washington Treaty on collective defence in NATO. This is why Ukraine's accession to the EU does not meet our interests," the official added.

According to a statement of the European Council, during the two-day EU summit in Brussels, which ended on Friday, Hungary blocked the adoption by the summit of the final statement on Ukraine by refusing to sign the EU's joint statement of support for Kyiv.

The document stated that the European Council "strongly condemns Russia's actions in Ukraine and supports a comprehensive, just and lasting peace."

The statement also mentioned the start of negotiations on Kyiv's European integration, which Hungary has repeatedly opposed.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban expressed disagreement with the decision to initiate the process of Ukraine's accession to the European Union, arguing that the country does not have "clear borders", "a working economy", and "real sovereignty."

He further stated that admitting a nation in "a state of military conflict" in the community is a "carte blanche for an endless war," for which EU taxpayers would end up paying for decades.

"We cannot allow Ukraine to become a member of the European Union because we would then enter hostilities that would expand to EU soil," said the Hungarian leader, speaking to a public-broadcasting radio station in Hungary.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Interesting how Russia talks about "interests" when they've violated Ukraine's sovereignty. As Indians, we understand the value of independence after colonial rule. Ukraine should have full freedom to decide its alliances without Russian interference.
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Aman W
Orban makes some valid points though. Admitting a country in active war could destabilize the EU. India has always advocated for peaceful solutions - maybe Ukraine should focus on ceasefire first before EU membership talks.
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Shreya B
This shows how complex geopolitics is! Russia wants buffer states, EU wants expansion, and Ukraine is caught in between. India's neutral stance makes sense - we should focus on our own development rather than taking sides in distant conflicts.
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Vikram M
The EU's militarization is concerning. As a developing nation, India should be wary of such power blocs that could affect global stability. Remember how sanctions on Russia impacted our oil imports? We need balanced foreign policy.
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Nisha Z
Ukraine's situation reminds me of Kashmir - external powers trying to dictate terms. Every nation has right to determine its future. But the EU should think carefully before expanding into conflict zones. Peace should come first! ✌️

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