www.mediafax.ro/externe/kremlinul-reia-o-conditie-

Russia is open to Ukraine's EU membership but demands that Ukraine remain neutral and not join any military alliances, including NATO. This stance was articulated by Vladimir Medinski during closed-door talks in Abu Dhabi. Medinski criticized NATO's eastward expansion and expressed distrust in Western promises regarding NATO's non-expansion. He reiterated that while Russia does not oppose Ukraine joining the EU, it insists on Ukraine's neutrality in military alliances. This position has been consistent, with previous statements from Kremlin officials emphasizing the need for Ukraine to abandon NATO aspirations. Additionally, Russia has made territorial claims over Crimea and other regions, complicating peace negotiations.