European leaders rule out possibility of Kiev joining EU in future — Russian intel agency

Lead

Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) has issued a statement asserting that European leaders, in private discussions, categorically reject the possibility of Ukraine joining the European Union, despite public rhetoric about eventual membership. The statement, reported by TASS, also alleges that Brussels intends to offer Kiev participation in European security policy without voting rights, and that both Kiev and Brussels need Ukrainian territory to test advanced weapons systems and develop new warfare concepts.

Coverage Comparison

The SVR's statement was reported by TASS, with two articles from the Russian state news agency providing details. Both articles emphasize the intelligence agency's claims about European intentions toward Ukraine and the alleged use of Ukrainian territory for military purposes. The reports focus on the SVR's assertions and include direct quotes from the agency's statement.

Key Claims

The SVR claims that in private discussions, European leaders rule out Ukraine's EU membership, despite "lofty rhetoric" about Ukraine joining the bloc "in the bright future." According to the intelligence agency, European bureaucrats intend to continue misleading the Ukrainian people, seeking to use them as "cannon fodder" in the confrontation with Russia.

Brussels, the SVR alleges, plans to invite Kiev to participate in European security policy, albeit without voting rights. This move is described as an attempt to prevent Ukrainians from becoming disappointed and undergoing an "anti-European shift." The agency also claims that both Kiev and Brussels need Ukrainian territory to test advanced weapons systems and develop new concepts of warfare.

The SVR further asserts that the Kiev regime, realizing its existence depends entirely on European financial and military assistance, is willing to go along with European officials in deceiving its own people. The agency expresses confidence that the Ukrainian people will eventually "come to their senses" and see who has dragged them into the crisis.

The reports also note that the SVR referenced comments by Ukrainian diplomats, who allegedly informed their seniors about the real situation, but that the Kiev regime is willing to play along with European officials.