DISINFO: Ukraine is not welcome in neither Europe, nor Russia
SUMMARY
Ukraine has always had two ideologies without caring about its own interests. It either goes to Russia or to Europe. But no-one takes into account that neither Europe nor Russia is welcoming Ukraine as a guest because it has no advantages, its infrastructure is completely ruined and it annually has budget deficits. No matter where Ukraine comes, they will have to maintain it at their taxpayers’ expense.
RESPONSE
This is a recurring disinformation narrative from pro-Kremlin media outlets claiming that Kyiv has only two vectors of development – either pro-European or pro-Russian.
Ukraine is a European country with its own interests. Ukraine gained independence in 1991 after centuries of Russian domination. It introduced constitutional amendments in 2019 to the effect that its strategic course is to acquire full-fledged membership in the European Union and NATO. To achieve it, Kyiv has to come a long way. Ukraine will have to overcome corruption, carry out structural economic, financial, legal and military reforms, and last but not least, restore its territorial integrity. Russia occupied 7 per cent of Ukraine’s sovereign territory, hoping that Kyiv renounces its pro-Western political objectives and stays in Moscow’s political orbit.
To this end, Russia illegally annexed the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea in 2014 and instigated a revolt in the eastern region of Donbas several months later.
Ukraine is interested in equally friendly relations with Europe and Russia. While Kyiv is more prone to the West and does not conceal this, it strives to normalise relations with Moscow. If Russia really wants it too, it must withdraw from all the illegally occupied Ukrainian territories. Ukraine is eager to restore good relations with Russia, but not to the detriment of its West-oriented policy.
Ukraine is a priority partner for the European Union. The EU supports Ukraine in ensuring a stable, prosperous and democratic future for its citizens and is unwavering in its support for Ukraine’s independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty. Since 2014, the EU and the Financial Institutions have mobilised more than €15 billion in grants and loans to support the reform process. Read more here.
Read more disinformation cases about "abandoned Ukraine".