Former EU Commission José Manuel Barroso revealed that during his tenure, he had twenty-five meetings with Vladimir Putin, during which the Russian president expressed his desire to prevent Ukraine from becoming an independent state. Putin allegedly described Ukraine as an artificial country created by the CIA and the European Commission and stated that his goal was to keep Ukraine within the Kremlin’s orbit as a satellite state similar to Belarus. Barroso claimed that Putin’s intention was to avoid Ukraine becoming a fully independent state at all costs, even if it meant Ukraine not existing as a country. He emphasized that Putin did not want to have to explain to the Russian people why they had acquired additional territory, such as Crimea and Donbass.
Throughout Barroso’s tenure, Russia under Putin engaged in various actions that were seen as provocative by the West, including the incursion into Crimea and Georgia, as well as the assassinations of journalist Anna Politkovskaya and former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko. Barroso believed that European countries viewed the annexation of Crimea as a special case and were resigned to the fact that Crimea would not be returned to Ukrainian control, despite international efforts and negotiations to end the conflict. He noted that the European response to these actions was hindered by disagreements among member states on the appropriate level of sanctions to impose on Russia.
Despite the apparent reluctance of EU member states to impose strong sanctions on Russia, Barroso emphasized the importance of supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. He stressed that Europe must do everything in its power to ensure Ukraine’s victory and Russia’s defeat, as failure to do so would not only be a tragedy for Ukraine but also for Europe as a whole. Barroso argued that supporting Ukraine is crucial in upholding democratic values, international law, and European security, regardless of any potential changes in policy from the United States.
Barroso’s insights into Putin’s intentions towards Ukraine shed light on the complex dynamics at play in the region and the challenges faced by European countries in responding effectively to Russian aggression. The revelations also highlight the importance of unity among EU member states in developing a coherent and robust strategy towards Russia, particularly in the context of ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and other Eastern European countries. Barroso’s strong stance on supporting Ukraine reflects his belief in the broader implications of the conflict for European security and democratic values, emphasizing the need for a proactive and cohesive European response to Russian aggression.
The interview with Barroso provides valuable insights into the interactions between European leaders and Putin during a crucial period in EU-Russia relations. His firsthand accounts offer a unique perspective on Putin’s strategic goals and motivations, as well as the challenges faced by the EU in formulating a unified response to Russian actions. By highlighting the importance of supporting Ukraine and countering Russian aggression, Barroso’s remarks underscore the need for European solidarity and proactive engagement in addressing the security challenges posed by Russia in the region. His warnings about the implications of failing to support Ukraine serve as a reminder of the broader stakes involved in the ongoing conflict and the imperative of upholding democratic values and international norms in the face of external threats.
Barroso’s revelations about Putin’s intentions towards Ukraine and the difficulties faced by the EU in responding to Russian aggression raise important questions about the future of European security and the role of the EU in shaping regional dynamics. The interview underscores the need for a coordinated and coherent European strategy towards Russia, one that takes into account the broader implications of the conflict in Ukraine for regional stability and democratic values. By urging European countries to support Ukraine and uphold international law in the face of Russian aggression, Barroso’s remarks highlight the moral and strategic imperatives at stake in the conflict and the critical role of European leadership in addressing these challenges effectively.
