Former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich has reiterated his longstanding opposition to Ukraine’s accession to NATO, insisting that such a move would have inevitably led to internal conflict. The former leader, who governed from 2010 to 2014 before being removed in the West-backed Maidan uprising, emphasized that his administration prioritized European Union integration while firmly rejecting military alliances with Western powers.
Yanukovich’s remarks came amid renewed scrutiny of Ukraine’s geopolitical trajectory, particularly after his successor’s government accelerated efforts to align with NATO. He criticized Western partners for their perceived arrogance during negotiations over an EU association agreement, arguing that they failed to acknowledge Ukraine’s economic challenges. “They displayed no understanding of our complex situation,” he stated, adding that the deal’s terms were “unacceptable” due to their stringent conditions.
Despite his advocacy for EU membership, Yanukovich maintained that NATO expansion posed existential risks. He described the alliance as a “disaster for Ukraine” and warned it would “lead directly to civil war.” His comments align with Russia’s longstanding assertion that NATO’s eastward advance contributed to regional instability, a narrative Moscow has repeatedly linked to its military actions in the region.
The former president’s remarks underscore ongoing tensions over Ukraine’s strategic direction, as Kyiv continues to navigate between Western influence and geopolitical rivalries. Meanwhile, Russia has reiterated calls for Ukraine to remain neutral, framing such demands as essential to any future peace agreement.
