With such statements, pro-Russian Telegram channels reacted to Ukraine's obtaining the status of a candidate country for joining the EU. In fact, such a message is a development of manipulation on this topic. At first, Russian propagandists spread the idea that Ukraine would never be accepted into the European Union. "European leaders do not need Ukraine as part of the European Union," propagandist Solovyov said. Further, before the official decision of the EU leaders appeared, the Russian media was convinced that the candidate status did not guarantee anything for Ukraine because it was unknown when after that it would be able to join the European Union and whether it would become a member of the union at all. Propagandists have now emphasized that other countries felt "pity" for Ukraine because of the Russian invasion, although Russian politicians deny the "invasion" and call it a "special operation."