Rasmussen: Ukraine can join NATO if it wants

For European democratic states that meet the necessary requirements, doors for joining NATO are always open. This was stated by NATO Secretary General Anders Fogg Rasmussen in an exclusive interview with TSN after negotiations with the Russian side.

“Back in 2008, at a summit in Bucharest, we decided that Ukraine will become a member of NATO if it wants and will meet the corresponding criteria. Meanwhile, Ukraine decided to remain an extra -block country. We fully respect this. We will continue cooperation in the Ukrainian -NATO commission, which already exists,” said Rasmussen.

The NATO Secretary General also spoke about the development of a large -scale plan of assistance to Ukraine in the field of defense. It includes promoting the reforms of the country's defense industry and the modernization of the army. In addition, NTO will attract Ukrainian troops to joint exercises, Rasmussen noted. He also did not rule out the participation of Ukraine in the creation of new expeditionary troops. “In general, you will see the strengthening of partnership between Ukraine and NATO in the coming years,” Rasmussen said.

Rasmussen noted that he did not know about the immediate plans of Russia, but noted that she pursues a much more confident policy than before.

On June 4, Rasmussen, following a number of meetings of the Minister of Defense of NATO countries, stated that the Alliance Foreign Minister will agree on a package of measures of assistance to Ukraine by the end of June . “NATO is ready to work with the new president of Ukraine,” the Secretary General said. “In the coming weeks, we will arrange a comprehensive package of long -term measures to make reforms in Ukraine more efficient and strengthen its armed forces”

Ukraine is not a member of NATO. In the country's legislation, non -block status of the state is still prescribed, although various political forces regularly subject this norm to criticism.