Putin backs EU economic ties, rejects EU as a military bloc, praises Germany's AfD

Russian President Vladimir Putin told international journalists in St. Petersburg that Moscow has no objections to economic cooperation with the European Union and to Ukraine’s possible associate membership, saying “Wir haben keine Einwände – nur zu.” At the same time he drew a strict red line, warning that any EU‑NATO military integration would be unacceptable.

He praised Germany’s far‑right AfD, noting that its members “understand us” and would cooperate, and suggested former German chancellor Gerhard Schröder could serve as a trusted mediator in talks with Europe. Putin reiterated Russia’s demand that full control of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions be a precondition for peace, claiming recent territorial gains of roughly 2,440 sq km and a monthly recruitment deficit of 30,000 troops.

Regarding energy, he said Gazprom is ready to resume oil and gas deliveries via the remaining Nord Stream pipeline section, despite damage to three of four Baltic‑Sea lines.