Russia acknowledges Ukraine's right to pursue EU membership while opposing NATO accession

Russia has stated that Ukraine has the right to decide on joining the European Union, emphasizing it as a sovereign choice. This marks a distinction from its opposition to Ukraine's NATO membership. Russian spokesman Dmitry Peskov clarified that Russia will not dictate Ukraine's decisions regarding EU integration. He noted that this stance differs from Russia's position on military alliances. High-level talks between US and Russian officials are ongoing in Riyadh, aiming to negotiate an end to the war. These discussions do not include Ukrainian or European representatives.