This was stated by the official representative of the Kremlin, Dmitry Peskov, as reported by RBK-Ukraine citing Reuters. This information is also reported by Kontrakty.UA.
In response to a question about Ukraine's accession to the European Union, Vladimir Putin's press secretary stated: "It is the sovereign right of any country."
"We are talking about integration, about economic integration processes. And here, of course, no one can dictate anything to any country, and we do not intend to do so," Peskov declared.
However, Peskov added that Russia's position regarding Ukraine's joining military alliances is different.
"Of course, regarding security issues related to defense or military alliances, there is a completely different position," he said.
Ukrainians' Position
It should be noted that according to a KISI survey, the overwhelming majority of Ukrainians would like to see the country in both the EU and NATO. However, joining the defense alliance is considered more of a priority.
According to the survey, 90% of Ukrainians want to see Ukraine as part of the EU, while 84% wish to see Ukraine as part of NATO.
If a referendum were held on joining the EU, 68% of all Ukrainians would be willing to go to the polls and vote "for." In the case of a referendum on NATO, the figure is also 68%. Those who would vote against would be 9% and 10%, respectively.
Moreover, more Ukrainians primarily want to see Ukraine in NATO (46%) than in the EU (22%).