Russia has « never opposed » Ukraine in the EU, says Putin

The Russian president denounced what he called the "hysteria" of certain European leaders.

During his visit to China, Vladimir Putin asserted in a series of statements that Russia had "never opposed" Ukraine's membership of the European Union, reports Reuters.

However, according to Reuters, he reiterated his firm opposition to Kyiv joining NATO, which he sees as a direct threat to Russia's security.

Putin also mentioned his recent exchange with Donald Trump, saying that a compromise on Ukraine's security remains a possibility.

Visiting Moscow's ally China, the Russian president denounced what he called the "hysteria" of certain European leaders, who he said were brandishing the threat of possible Russian aggression against other countries on the continent.

According to Putin, the key to lasting peace lies in limiting NATO's expansion, while continuing to refuse, for the time being, a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

This stance came just days after his summit in Alaska with Donald Trump, who rolled out the red carpet for him and asserted that such a meeting, deemed crucial for peace talks, would take place shortly.

Ultimately, however, the decision to join the European Union or NATO rests with the Ukrainians and their allies, not Putin.