Russian President Vladimir Putin declared during a meeting with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Beijing that Russia has never opposed Ukraine’s potential membership in the European Union. He emphasized that such membership is an economic—not military—matter, distinguishing it sharply from Ukraine’s NATO ambitions, which Moscow firmly opposes.
Putin dismissed European warnings that Russia might further invade Europe as “hysteria” and “horror stories.” He framed Russia’s 2022 invasion as a defensive response to what he described as Western efforts—particularly through NATO—to expand into the post‑Soviet sphere. Regarding NATO, Putin reiterated that Ukraine’s accession to the alliance is unacceptable to Russia.
He also mentioned his August 15 summit with former U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska, noting that they discussed Ukraine’s security. Putin suggested there may still be opportunities to reach a consensus on ensuring safety for both Russia and Ukraine if the conflict ends.
