Russian President Vladimir Putin has voiced his concerns about Ukraine’s potential membership in NATO, stating that it poses threats to Russia’s security. Speaking in an interview with Pavel Zarubin, a correspondent at the All-Russia State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company, Putin emphasized that every country has the right to ensure its security in any way it deems fit, as long as it does not pose a threat to another nation.
Putin acknowledged Ukraine’s right to ensure its security but emphasized that it should not negatively impact Russia’s security. He stressed that this principle should be taken into account, as clarified in many international documents. Putin also stated that the recent declarations made by NATO and the G7 do not appear out of the ordinary to Russia, and they are open to this discussion. However, he reiterated that Russia’s security must be ensured as a necessary condition.
The Russian president cited the potential threat of Ukraine joining NATO as one of the reasons for Russia’s special military operation in the region. He expressed his belief that such a move would not increase Ukraine’s security but instead create more vulnerability in the world and further escalate tension in the international arena. Putin highlighted that Russia’s position on this matter has been well-known and formulated for a long time.
The remarks made by Putin come at a time when tensions between Russia and Ukraine have been escalating. The possibility of Ukraine joining NATO has been a contentious issue, with Russia consistently expressing its opposition due to the perceived threat it poses to its own security.
The statements by the Russian president shed light on Moscow’s perspective on Ukraine’s potential membership in NATO and its concerns about the implications for regional and international security. As the debate surrounding Ukraine’s future alliances continues, it remains to be seen how these tensions will be resolved and what impact they will have on the geopolitical landscape.