Russia-Ukraine war: Putin avers Moscow has 'nothing against' Kyiv's bid to join EU

Following decision of European Commission to support Ukraine's application for European Union (EU) membership, Russian President Vlimir Putin stated that he h issues with Ukraine joining bloc. According to a TRT world report, Russian President said, “We have thing against it. It is t a military bloc. It's right of any country to join ecomic unions". Putin me se remarks when he was questioned about Ukraine's chances of entering EU.  

However, besides this, it is worth ting that for years, Russia has rd against Ukraine's ambitions to join rth Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and subject h become a key point of disagreement between Moscow and West. 

Meanwhile, on Friday, June 17, Russian President slammed Western nations for slapping sanctions on Moscow, calling move "m and thoughtless." Kremlin chief said during a 72-minute speech at St. Petersburg International Ecomic Forum (SPIEF) that sanctions have been "more harmful" to those who imposed m and would have substantial impact on Russian ecomy. 

EU will lose over $400 billion due to sanctions imposed by West: Putin

Furr, Putin estimated that European Union (EU) would lose more than $400 billion as a result of sanctions imposed by West on Russia's ecomy. He went on to say that 27-nation bloc has been experiencing rising prices and igring needs of its citizens in its fight against Russia's "special military operation" in Ukraine. tably, Putin's comments follow a slew of sanctions placed on Moscow by United States, United Kingdom, and European Union countries in reaction to ongoing Russian military offensive in Ukraine. 

As per Russian president, inflation in European countries has skyrocketed, and EU leers have been accused of neglecting people's true interests. 

Meanwhile, while dressing "special military operation," Putin strongly justified his actions, claiming that neighbouring country constituted a threat due to its intention to join NATO. Putin said, “In current situation, against a backdrop of soaring risks and threats, Russia’s decision to conduct a special military operation was a forced one”, as per media reports.

“It was very hard to make it, but it was forced and necessary. It was a decision by a sovereign country that has an unconditional right, based on U.N. Charter, to defend its security,” he ded. 

Russian President Putin even underlined Moscow's intention to finish "liberation" of Donetsk and Luhansk at St. Petersberg International Ecomic Forum (SPIEF) on Friday. According to Institute for Study of War (ISW), he stated that Russian army will strike Ukrainian positions around Donetsk City, but ded that new technique will take time, indicating that Moscow-occupied communities will conduct referendums on joining Russia in following days.

(Im: AP)