Kremlin labels Ukraine’s potential NATO membership as a security threat to Russia

The Kremlin said Tuesday that Russia considers Ukraine’s potential NATO membership a threat to its security.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in Moscow that Ukraine’s NATO membership is “potentially unacceptable” for Russia, calling it a “threatening event.” He emphasized that the idea of Ukraine joining NATO is in “absolute contrast” to Russia’s position on the “indivisibility of security,” stating that the security of one country cannot come at the expense of another.

Peskov also argued that the prospect of NATO membership does not address the “root cause” of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Earlier, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry reiterated that it would not accept any alternatives to full NATO membership, viewing it as the only true security guarantee for the country.

The statement came as Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha arrived in Brussels for a NATO foreign ministers meeting on Tuesday.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022, was partly driven by concerns that Kyiv was moving closer to NATO membership, though at the time it was not. While Ukraine’s membership is a more immediate possibility, it remains unlikely as long as the war continues.

Putin open to dialogue with Scholz

Regarding German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s support for Ukraine during his visit to Kyiv on Monday, Peskov said Russian President Vladimir Putin remains open to dialogue.

“It makes sense to continue contacts,” Peskov said. “The president has repeatedly said he remains open to dialogue to achieve our goals.”

Peskov also accused Europe of continuing its “destructive line” by prolonging the war, while asserting that the U.S. under President Joe Biden is pursuing its own agenda to keep the conflict going.

On the upcoming visit of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Peskov said it is not scheduled until the end of the year, though preparations are underway.