I don't believe either of these statements is accurate. Russia agreed to Ukraine joining the EU but not NATO, why would it be any different for Canada? The EU is China's largest trading partner, accounting for around 20% of China's exports. Adding Vancouver’s port to the EU market could significantly enhance trade between the EU and China. However, the real issue lies at the geopolitical level – the EU is heavily influenced by the US, and with Trump aiming to initiate a trade war with China, tensions are likely to escalate.
Russia didn't agreed to that, it sabotaged any effort and any agreement between EU and Ukraine to the maximum of its abilities. Ukraine paid a huge price to be able to have an association agreement with EU.
Russian diplomacy tends to be straightforward – they make their positions clear and repeat them often to ensure their message gets across.
Putin has explicitly stated he’s not opposed to Ukraine joining the EU. He has no trouble stating his views, no matter how controversial, publicly.
However, he has repeatedly made it clear that Ukraine joining NATO is unacceptable to Russia. In the past discussions about Ukraine’s accession to NATO were blocked by Germany and France.
Russia invaded Ukraine when they were not seeking to join NATO and had no chance of joining anytime soon. So yes Russia did oppose Ukraine seeking EU membership
And yet, Russia started an aggression when there was no chance and no plan for Ukraine (or Georgia for example) to join NATO but agreement on the EU association was being prepared.
