Russian spy agency claims EU leaders doubt Ukraine's membership prospects

Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) has claimed that European leaders privately do not expect Ukraine to join the European Union in the foreseeable future, despite continuing to publicly back Kyiv's bid for membership.

In a statement published on August 3, the SVR alleged that EU governments believe Ukraine's accession would create significant economic and political challenges for the bloc and that the EU lacks the resources to meet the country's future demands. It claimed that, as a result, Ukraine's path to membership could be prolonged for many years.

The agency further alleged that the EU's decision to open accession negotiations with Ukraine, as well as proposals to involve Kyiv in European security initiatives without voting rights, are intended to maintain public support in Ukraine for closer integration with Europe.

The SVR also claimed that the Ukrainian leadership is aware that EU membership is unlikely in the near term but continues to pursue its integration agenda because of its reliance on European financial and military assistance.

In its statement, the Russian intelligence agency additionally alleged that Ukraine is being used by both Kyiv and Brussels to test advanced weapons systems and develop new military concepts.

The claims have not been independently verified.

Ukraine was granted EU candidate status in 2022, and the European Union formally opened accession negotiations with Kyiv in June 2024. EU leaders have repeatedly reaffirmed that Ukraine's future lies within the bloc, while stressing that membership depends on meeting the required political, economic and legal criteria.

By Aghakazim Guliyev