Russia is creating the Single Economic Space in a large part of the former Soviet Union while at the same time building a common economic space with the European Union.
Russia believes that building this common economic space with the EU is in the interests of both Russia and the EU countries and that this will harmonise economic ties.
These projects are not in contradiction with the possibility of new members joining the EU, including Ukraine. President Vladimir Putin said he considers that if Ukraine were to join the EU this would be a positive factor that, unlike NATO expansion, would help strengthen the system of international relations.