(Dan Tri) – The Kremlin commented on the European Union’s move to launch negotiations to admit two former Soviet countries, Ukraine and Moldova.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov (Photo: Tass).
Russia said on December 15 that the European Union’s decision to launch negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova on membership was a politicized move that could destabilize the bloc, and at the same time criticized
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters: `Negotiations to join the EU could take years or decades. The EU has always set strict criteria for joining and it is clear that in
`Obviously this is a completely politicized decision, the EU’s desire is to show support for these countries. But such new members could destabilize the EU, and because of them
At a summit on December 14, EU leaders agreed to open accession talks with Ukraine even though the country is in the midst of a war that Russia says it will pursue until the terms are reached.
EU leaders voted to approve the decision when Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban – who opposed Ukraine’s admission – was not in the meeting room.
Mr. Peskov commented on this move: `Waiting for someone to be absent for coffee so they can make some decisions, if this is true then this is quite a unique option.`
At the same meeting, the EU agreed to grant Georgia – a country once part of the Soviet Union – candidate membership status.
At the summit, EU member states were unable to approve a $50 billion financial aid package for Ukraine due to Hungary’s opposition.
`Hungary has its own interests. And Hungary, unlike many other EU countries, resolutely defends its interests, which impresses us,` Mr. Peskov said.
Observers also said that although Ukraine has achieved a political victory when starting negotiations to join the EU, this process will face many challenges.
Last month, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said that Ukraine was still `light years` away from the EU, implying that Kiev’s path to joining the union was still far.
At that time, he said that the EU should not negotiate with a country that is in a state of war.
Hungary is a member of the EU and NATO but pursues a neutral path in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Nick John