Russia Says Ukraine's Joining EU is Its Right, but NATO Membership is Unacceptable

The Kremlin announced on Tuesday that Ukraine has a "sovereign right" to join the European Union, but considers the country's membership in NATO "unacceptable." This stance comes as relations between Moscow and Washington are improving, raising concerns in Europe and Kyiv. According to AFP, Dmitry Peskov, the spokesperson for the Russian presidency, stated in his daily press briefing: "Ukraine's accession to the European Union is the sovereign right of any country, and no one should decide on this matter for another country." However, Peskov emphasized that security issues and membership in military alliances like NATO have completely different conditions, and Russia's position on this matter is very clear. The Kremlin also stressed that resolving the Ukraine crisis without considering broader security issues in Europe is "impossible," and Vladimir Putin is ready to negotiate with Volodymyr Zelensky "if necessary." This statement coincides with the beginning of direct negotiations between Russian and American officials in Riyadh. These talks, stemming from a lengthy phone call between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump on February 12, are seen as the first step towards normalizing relations between Moscow and Washington. Meanwhile, according to AFP, Washington's tougher stance towards its European allies and the closer ties between Russia and the U.S. have raised widespread concerns among European and Ukrainian leaders. European countries and Ukraine have so far been sidelined from direct Russia-U.S. negotiations, and reports indicate that European officials are concerned that Trump and Putin may reach a bilateral agreement without considering their interests. In this context, several European leaders held an emergency meeting in Paris on Monday to discuss how to respond to these diplomatic developments. According to AFP, Russia demanded a review of Europe's security structure and the withdrawal of NATO forces from Eastern Europe in late 2021. The Kremlin also sought a commitment from the West not to expand NATO eastward. After these demands were rejected by the West, Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, starting a war that continues to this day. As the U.S. and Russia draw closer, many questions arise about the future of the Ukraine crisis. Can Washington and Moscow reach an agreement without the direct involvement of Europe and Ukraine? Given that European leaders and Zelensky feel sidelined from key negotiations, it remains to be seen whether the U.S. and Russia can truly find a sustainable solution to the Ukraine crisis, or whether this diplomatic closeness will escalate tensions in the region.