Kathrine Frich
During talks with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, Putin rejected warnings that Russia might attack Europe.
During talks with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, Putin rejected warnings that Russia might attack Europe.
Putin’s Surprising Words on Ukraine and the EU
Speaking in Beijing on September 2, Vladimir Putin claimed that he does not oppose Ukraine’s potential membership in the European Union.
He insisted that Moscow’s stance has always been clear on this issue. His comments sparked debate, given Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine.
EU Membership Seen as Acceptable
Putin stressed that he has “never opposed Ukraine’s possible accession to the European Union.”
According to him: “Joining the EU is not a threat to Russia’s interests.”
This position is notable, as it contrasts with Russia’s hostility toward other forms of Ukrainian integration with the West.
NATO Membership Declared “Unacceptable”
While signaling openness to Ukraine’s EU path, Putin was categorical on NATO.
He repeated that Ukraine’s accession to the alliance is “unacceptable” for Russia.
He framed NATO expansion as an attempt to “absorb the entire post-Soviet space,” something Moscow says it must resist.
Contradictory Russian Messaging
This is not the first time Putin has indicated a softer line on Ukraine and the EU.
Yet, Russian voices have often contradicted him.
In June, former president Dmitry Medvedev warned that Ukraine joining the EU would be “dangerous” and claimed Moscow opposed it.
Dismissing Western Fears of a Wider War
During talks with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, Putin rejected warnings that Russia might attack Europe.
“We are noticing that a certain hysteria is constantly being fueled regarding Russia’s alleged plans to attack Europe. Because any person with common sense knows very well that Russia has not had, does not have and will never have the intention to attack anyone,” he said.
Warnings and Threats Remain
Despite his words, Moscow has repeatedly threatened Europe throughout the war in Ukraine.
Russian officials have mentioned possible “harsh responses,” including nuclear weapons.
This double messaging continues to fuel mistrust in Europe about the Kremlin’s true intentions.
Talks of Security Guarantees
Putin added in Beijing that there are “options to ensure Ukraine’s security” if the war ends.
He claimed these ideas were discussed with Donald Trump at the Alaska summit, though he gave no details.
His vague remarks left more questions than answers about what such guarantees could mean.
Russia’s “Serious Response” to Ukraine
Putin warned that Russia has started to “seriously respond” to Ukrainian strikes on its energy infrastructure.
He said Moscow had shown patience but was now escalating.
In practice, Russia has already carried out repeated attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities and civilian infrastructure.
Putin’s Advice to Eastern Europe
Putin urged Eastern European countries to halt gas and oil deliveries to Ukraine in his conversation with Fico.
He claimed this would deter Kyiv from striking Russian energy sites.
At the same time, he accused Europe of obstructing Trump’s efforts for peace while pledging that Russia’s operations would continue until Ukraine made concessions.
