National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) Secretary Oleksandr Turchynov has said he is convinced that Ukraine must carry out reforms before a referendum on NATO membership can be held.
“Let’s say the truth: we’re prepared to join NATO, but NATO today is not ready to accept us. And this is explained very easily: they understand all risks of the military conflict with Russia, which has a powerful nuclear potential, and by all means to avoid a military presence,” he said in an exclusive interview with Interfax-Ukraine.
Turchynov said that a referendum on NATO membership isn’t currently on the agenda.
“As for the referendum, it should be carried when the issue of NATO accession will go to the practical stage. But frankly speaking not a year will pass until this moment. Because just to carry the referendum without the preparedness of our western partners is political adventurism,” Turchynov said.
He emphasized that NATO member states are strategic partners of Ukraine.
“When we talk on strengthening and reforming the security and defense sector, then, of course, we set the task to switch to NATO standards. Based of the interests of our country’s security, we are in active cooperation with the alliance, and in perspective plan to be its active member,” he stressed.
According to Turchynov, a policy of multi-vector non-ally status of the Ukrainian authorities led to the situation, when Ukraine appeared alone in facing aggression, without allies prepared to defend security in Europe.
“I believe there is no alternative for Ukraine’s closing in NATO. It’s clear that it strings up Russia, and they will by all means attempt to counteract this process. If to see their efforts in the international plan, then one of the demands and a subject of blackmail is Russia’s aspiration to block Ukraine’s movement to EU and NATO. But intrigues and provocations of Russia won’t stop us. We’ll orient exclusively the interests of our country,” he said.
