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Putin emphasised that Ukraine has the lawful right to determine how it conducts its international relations, secures its economic interests, and chooses its allies.
Despite Putin’s apparent approval, Ukraine’s path to EU membership remains complex (Reuters file)
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday said he supports Ukraine’s aspirations to join the European Union, calling it a “legitimate choice.” His comments come just days after a conversation with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico during a visit to China, according to Reuters.
“We have never objected to this,” Putin told Fico, referring to Ukraine’s EU ambitions. “As for NATO, this is another issue,” he added. Putin also mentioned that discussions around Ukraine’s long-term security were discussed at his summit with US President Donald Trump on August 15 in Alaska. “There are options for ensuring Ukraine’s security in the event of an end to the conflict,” Putin said. “And it seems to me that there is an opportunity to find consensus here.”
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Putin emphasised that Ukraine has the lawful right to determine how it conducts its international relations, secures its economic interests, and chooses its allies.
Despite Putin’s apparent approval, Ukraine’s path to EU membership remains complex. Accession to the bloc requires unanimous consent from all existing EU members. Both Hungary and Slovakia, Russia’s closest allies within the European Union, have consistently voiced opposition to Ukraine’s entry. With Hungary actively blocking negotiations and Slovakia expressing reservations, Ukraine’s accession remains uncertain, especially amid ongoing hostilities.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded to Putin’s remarks, acknowledging them as a delayed recognition of reality. According to UkrInform, Zelenskyy noted that while Russia may now support EU membership for Ukraine, the stance of “Russia’s friends,” particularly Hungary, raises concerns.
“Finally, we hear a signal from Russia that they already accept Ukraine’s membership in the European Union. It’s a pity that they recognise reality with such a delay,” Zelenskyy said, adding he is prepared to meet with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to discuss the issue.
The European Commission also welcomed Putin’s support. “It’s very welcome that President Putin sees the place of Ukraine in the European Union,” said Commission spokesperson Paula Pinho on Friday.
However, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev warned in June that the EU posed a security threat to Moscow, reinforcing Russia’s long-standing resistance to Ukraine’s Western alignment.
Separately, in response to the 26-nation “coalition of the willing” offering post-war security guarantees to Ukraine, Putin warned that all Western troops deployed in Ukraine would be considered legitimate targets by Russia. “It’s up to Ukraine to decide about the deployment of troops in its territory,” Pinho said.
Moscow, Russia
September 06, 2025, 03:44 IST
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