Ukraine's EU Membership Prospects Uncertain, Russia Doubtful

Russia dismisses the possibility of Ukraine joining the European Union, calling it "hardly real," following the EU's recommendation to open formal membership talks with Kyiv. Moscow sees this as a ploy to keep Russian and Chinese influence at bay and suggests it is merely a carrot being dangled in front of a cart. Russia has long opposed Ukraine's European ambitions, which led to the 2013-14 pro-EU revolution and subsequent conflict. The EU's decision to open talks still requires approval from its leaders and meeting strict entry criteria.