 "Representational Image, Reuters")
Russia has said that it is Ukraine’s sovereign right to decide whether it wishes to join the European Union (EU).
Russian spokesman Dmitry Peskov was asked if Ukraine could one day join the European Union. In response, Peskov said, “This is the sovereign right of any country.” He also said that the Kremlin did not intend to dictate to Kyiv how it should approach the issue.
“We are talking about integration and economic integration processes. And here, of course, no one can dictate anything to any country, and we are not going to do that,” Peskov said.
Peskov emphasised that this is a completely different position on security-related issues concerning defence or military alliances.
Recently, high-level discussions have been taking place between US and Russian officials in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The discussions aim to negotiate an end to the war and improve bilateral relations.
The Russian delegation, comprising Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Russian President Vladimir Putin’s foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov, met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff.
Notably, these talks are taking place without Ukrainian or European representatives.
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine began in February 2022, after Ukraine expressed its willingness to join the NATO alliance.
The war has also impacted various countries economically, including India. The conflict has disrupted global supply chains, leading to increased input costs and reduced demand for exports.