Peskov on decision to grant Ukraine EU Membership Candidate status: requires increased attention

IRYNA BALACHUK – FRIDAY, 17 JUNE 2022, 15:03

Dmitry Peskov. Photo by RIA Novosti

Dmitry Peskov, the Press Secretary of the President of Russia, claimed that the decision to grant Ukraine EU Membership Candidate status "requires increased attention" by Russia.

Source: Russian Kremlin-aligned media "RIA Novosti"

Quote: "As before, it remains a separate issue (from NATO membership – ed.), but it still requires our increased attention as we all know about the intensification of discussions in Europe on the strengthening of the defence component of the EU. The military, defence and security components are being discussed, and all kinds of transformations are happening there, and we are, of course, observing it all thoroughly."

Background:

•   On 17 June, the European Commission recommended granting Ukraine and Moldova EU Membership Candidate status.