Peskov called promises to admit Ukraine to the EU “a carrot in front of the wagon”

Press Secretary of the Russian President Dmitry Peskov doubted Brussels’ promises about Ukraine’s accession to the European Union, calling them a carrot dangled in front of the cart. This is what he’s talking about stated in a comment to journalist Pavel Zarubin.

“Most likely, we are talking about a carrot that is tied in front of the cart; these are unlikely to be any promises,” he said.

Kyiv submitted documents to join the EU at the end of February 2022. Four months later, the country officially became a candidate for membership in the organization. A year later, according to European Commissioner for Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi, the Ukrainian authorities fulfilled two of the seven conditions for EU membership – they reformed the High Council of Justice and the High Qualifications Commission of Judges and adopted a law on the media. In addition, the authorities have enshrined the desire for Ukraine to join the union in the country’s constitution.

On November 8, the European Commission (EC) issued a recommendation begin negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova on their EU membership. Earlier, EC President Ursula von der Leyen said that Kyiv had fulfilled 90% of last year’s EU requirements. The head of the EC also praised Chisinau, noting that the Moldovan authorities have taken steps in legal reform, de-oligarchization and anti-corruption. At the same time, von der Leyen urged not to focus on 2030 as the year of EU enlargement, without naming another date.