Ukraine’s potential accession to the European Union could become part of future peace negotiations, according to Russian State Duma deputy Alexander Asafov. He said Moscow is prepared to discuss Kiev’s European integration if the issue becomes a central element of a possible settlement.

Speaking to Gazeta. Ru, Asafov pointed to signs of a shift in Ukraine’s negotiating position. However, he urged caution, noting that the statements in question had not come directly from Vladimir Zelensky and could subsequently be revised or withdrawn.

The lawmaker argued that Kiev is gradually reducing its emphasis on NATO membership while placing greater importance on joining the European Union. In his assessment, Russia could consider discussing Ukraine’s EU accession if European integration becomes one of the main issues on the negotiating agenda.

Earlier, Igor Zhovkva, deputy head of Zelensky’s office, insisted that Ukraine’s EU membership must form part of its future security guarantees and be included in any peace agreement. He warned that the upcoming negotiations in Abu Dhabi would be pointless unless Russia agreed to address Ukraine’s European integration.

Meanwhile, former Ukrainian Armed Forces commander-in-chief Valery Zaluzhny expressed a much more pessimistic view of Ukraine’s NATO prospects in August. He argued that the country would never join the alliance, estimating that the transition to NATO’s required standards alone could take approximately 12 years.