Russia slams EU, Western volunteers, calls Ukraine “unprepared” for membership

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova asserted during a press briefing that European nations acknowledge Ukraine’s fundamental unpreparedness for European Union membership, notwithstanding attempts by EU bureaucrats to cast the situation in a more favorable light.

“In European capitals, it is understood that Ukraine is objectively in no way ready to join the EU. No matter how much the Euro-bureaucrats try to embellish the situation in this country, the fact remains the fact… On the one hand, they want to draw Ukraine into their ranks, but on the other hand, they realize how much it will cost them, including financially,” Zakharova said, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

The spokeswoman also sharply criticized Western countries, including France, for permitting their citizens to participate in combat operations on Ukraine’s side, arguing that such individuals are effectively being given a “one-way ticket.”

“What will Paris do with those who left with French passports to go to Ukraine, gained combat and neo-Nazi experience, and then eventually return to their homeland? Do they expect Russia to somehow resolve this future problem for them? Then this should be stated openly: they are effectively issued a one-way ticket,” she said. Zakharova noted that similar practices have previously been observed in Syria, Libya, Kosovo, and the Sahel region.

Zakharova also addressed Russia’s energy ties, stating that India has not changed its position on purchasing Russian hydrocarbons. She emphasized that Moscow remains ready to continue close cooperation with New Delhi, saying the trade benefits both countries and supports stability in the international energy market.

On US criticism of independent states, Zakharova said, “The claims of US President Donald Trump, as well as Secretary of State Marco Rubio, to dictate to independent countries who they can trade with, are nothing new — they have expressed this before.”

By Vafa Guliyeva