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St. Petersburg, June 17. President Vladimir Putin, speaking about the possible accession of Ukraine to the EU, said that Russia has nothing against it, this is not a military bloc.
"The EU is not a military organization, a military-political bloc, unlike NATO, therefore we have always said, and I have always said, our position here was consistent, understandable, but we have nothing against it — this is a sovereign decision of any country to join or not to join economic associations, but the business of this economic association to accept new states as its members or not", he said at the SPIEF plenary session.
At the same time, the Russian leader noted that Ukraine needs large subsidies and subsidies, and at the same time, without the protection of the domestic market, it runs the risk of finally turning into a semi-colony. This will not lead to the restoration of the lost aviation and shipbuilding, the electronics industry and other critical industries, as it will create competitors for European manufacturers. According to him, only Ukraine and the current member countries should decide on joining the organization, Putin added. 
Skip through the line. Will the European Union accept Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia?He stressed that Russia has always opposed the military development of the territory of a neighboring state. postpone. The final decision will be made by the heads of state and government of the EU at the summit in Brussels on June 23-24, taking into account the recommendation of the European Commission. The Jubilee, XXV St. Petersburg International Economic Forum is being held in St. Petersburg from June 15 to 18. RIA Novosti is the information partner of the forum.Vladimir Putin's speech at SPIEF 2022. Online report
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