Beyond NATO: Putin Says EU Path for Ukraine Isn’t the Issue

Putin told Slovakia’s Robert Fico that Russia never opposed Ukraine’s possible EU membership, while stressing NATO is different.
The comment came amid a week of alignment with China, where Putin hailed ties at a historic high.
Kim Jong-un’s presence, with his daughter, punctuated the parade week’s symbolism.
The pipeline deal with China signaled deepening energy interdependence.
Visa-free entry for Russians and signed cooperation papers pointed to a comprehensive partnership.