The idea of Russia's membership in the EU and NATO was supported by Boris Yeltsin, and later by Vladimir Putin.

Axar.az reports this was shared by Russian journalist Vladimir Posner.

"The United States and a number of European countries did not want Russia's membership in the EU and NATO. Today, Russia is not interested in NATO or EU membership. The position of the United States, as well as most European countries, has not changed. It would be good for Russia and the West to get closer, but today it is unrealistic."