In a sharp escalation of rhetoric, Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, has declared the European Union a “real enemy” of Russia, warning that Ukraine’s accession to the bloc would pose a direct threat to Moscow’s national security. His remarks, posted on Telegram on June 25, 2025, mark a significant shift in Russia’s stance toward the EU.
From Economic Bloc to “Militarized Adversary”
Medvedev, a former Russian president, accused the EU of transforming from a peace-oriented economic alliance into a “politicized anti-Russian organization”, equating its threat level to that of NATO.
“Brussels today is a real enemy of Russia… The EU, stuffed with weapons, is a direct threat to Russia,” he wrote.
He added that Ukraine’s EU membership, once seen as a sovereign right, is now viewed as a strategic danger to Russia’s interests.
A Reversal of Kremlin’s Earlier Position
The statement contrasts with President Vladimir Putin’s 2022 remarks, when he said Russia had “nothing against” Ukraine joining the EU. As recently as February 2025, the Kremlin maintained that EU membership was Ukraine’s sovereign decision.
However, Medvedev now insists that Kyiv’s integration into the EU must be opposed, citing the bloc’s growing military posture and alignment with Western defense interests.
Bilateral Ties Still on the Table
Despite the harsh tone, Medvedev noted that Russia remains open to bilateral cooperation with certain EU member states, hinting at continued ties with countries like Hungary and Slovakia, which have maintained warmer relations with Moscow.
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