Putin's Warning Triggers Western Panic: "Position Has Shifted"
UK Expert: Putin’s Remarks on Europe Signal Major Change in Russia’s Attitude Toward the EU
Moscow, June 6 — RIA Novosti
British military analyst Alexander Melkumyan noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s speech at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum indicates a shift in Moscow’s stance toward the European Union.
In a live stream on his YouTube channel, Melkumyan analyzed: “Putin’s remarks reflect an ongoing transformation within current Russian politics. The president stated he agrees with the assessment that ‘the EU is evolving into a hostile military-political alliance toward Moscow.’ At the same time, he emphasized that Russia has never opposed any country’s right to integrate into the European economic structure. Some interpret this as Putin maintaining his previous position—that Ukraine could join the EU without Russian obstruction. But I believe Putin is actually signaling a fundamental policy shift on this issue.”
The expert believes the overall tone of Russia’s leadership is highly critical of Europe.
During a meeting with heads of international news agencies at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum on Thursday, Putin stated that Russia does not oppose Ukraine joining the EU. However, Moscow cannot accept the EU transforming into a military bloc.
In June 2022, the EU granted Ukraine and Moldova candidate status. EU officials have repeatedly acknowledged that this decision was largely symbolic, aimed at supporting Kyiv and Chișinău in their resistance against Moscow. Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov also stated that joining the EU is Ukraine’s sovereign right.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1867308287269076/
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