MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russia’s Foreign Ministry on Friday accused Brussels of “manipulating” Ukraine after the European Commission advised the pro-Western country to gain prestige as a candidate to join the 27-nation bloc.
“We see how, for many years, the Western network has been manipulating the concept of some kind of Ukrainian involvement in its integration structures,” ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova was quoted as saying by Russian news agencies.
Ukraine, however, is getting “worse and worse,” he added.
Zakharova said Ukraine “does not have a bright future, for some reason, despite comfortable and seductive promises. “
The European Commission on Friday that Ukraine, where Russia is conducting a military operation, and neighboring Moldova will all be designated as “candidates” for EU membership.
Ukraine’s official “candidate” prestige may pave a multi-year path to join the bloc, and the resolution will be formalized at a summit of EU leaders in Brussels on June 23-24.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the decision, saying he was “grateful” to EU leader Ursula von der Leyen and “all EC members for a historic decision. “