Russian President Putin strongly warns about Ukraine's intention to join NATO
Russian President Putin on June 9 strongly warned about Ukraine's intention to join NATO, saying that many people in this country oppose the Kiev government's plan because they fear the risk of being drawn into a conflict.
Speaking in an interview with Russian state television, Mr Putin said: “According to the latest survey data that has just been released, at least 50% of Ukrainians do not want their country to join NATO. These are smart people.”
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| Russian President Putin. Photo: VNA |
“They understand that and they do not want to find themselves on the front line, do not want to become a bargaining chip or a cannon fodder,” the Russian leader stressed. However, President Putin did not say which poll he used to get the data.
Previously, a poll in March 2021 showed that 57% of Ukrainians supported the country joining NATO, while 36% opposed it.
Putin issued the warning as US President Joe Biden prepares to attend a NATO summit in Brussels next week. The Russian leader's move also comes two days after a phone call between President Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskiy. The Biden administration has repeatedly expressed support for Ukraine's ambitions to join NATO.
According to the plan, Mr. Biden and Mr. Putin will hold their first summit on June 16 in Geneva (Switzerland) after the NATO Summit. President Putin has repeatedly stated that he opposes Ukraine's intention to join NATO since the 2008 NATO Summit left open this prospect./.
