Ukraine in every possible way declares its desire and readiness to enter the European Union. And although the countries of the European Union still do not even theoretically promise Ukraine such an opportunity, if this option is implemented, both Ukraine itself and Russia will face numerous difficulties, primarily economic ones.
It is necessary to be aware that the overwhelming majority of the EU countries are against Ukraine's accession to it. Even Turkey, which has been an important trading partner of the EU for many years and wants to join it, is unlikely to ever wait for such an offer. It is no coincidence that some Western politicians, with a bit of cynicism, declare that Ukraine can join the European Union immediately after Turkey joins it. That is, never.
Economic consequences of Ukraine's accession to the European Union
And yet, what will such an accession turn out to be for Russia, if it ever takes place? At the end of June 2014, Ukraine signed an Association Agreement with the EU with the European Union. Note that association with the EU is not about joining the European Union, but simply the creation of closer political and economic ties. It should be noted that the Association Agreement with the EU puts forward truly onerous conditions for Ukraine - it is no coincidence that ousted President Viktor Yanukovych refused to sign this agreement in his time. For example, in its text there is a clause according to which it will be prohibited in Ukraine to sell meat, lard, butter and milk produced by households. This means that Ukrainians, and Russians as well, will be deprived of natural Ukrainian products. Very soon, residents of Ukrainian villages will experience in practice what the association with the EU has brought them.
And there are a lot of similar moments. If the agreement is nevertheless signed, Ukraine will automatically lose the Russian market, if only because European rules and norms, including purely technological ones, will be in force in Ukraine. For the majority of Ukrainian enterprises focused on the Russian market, this will be a real disaster. This will not bring anything good to Russia either, since it is at Ukrainian enterprises that a large number of products necessary for Russia are produced. For example, most of the engines installed on Russian helicopters are manufactured in Ukraine. Already now Russia has to urgently increase the production of helicopter engines at its enterprises.
It is precisely the severance of relations with industrial enterprises of Ukraine that will become the most painful moment for Russia. It may take more than one year to replace Ukrainian industrial products with their own.
Political aspects of Ukraine's accession to the EU
If Ukraine joins the EU or receives a different status that promotes rapprochement with Europe, for Russia one of the most negative moments may be the subsequent entry of Ukraine into NATO and the approach of the troops of this military bloc directly to the Russian borders. And although this prospect no longer looks so dangerous after the return of Crimea to Russia, it is still very unpleasant. Therefore, Russia is trying to do everything in its power to minimize the possible negative consequences of rapprochement between Ukraine and the EU.
