"We have achieved the desired result at this stage: we have de facto been granted an action plan for preparing Ukraine for NATO membership. This is a serious step forward. We are moving ahead toward membership, and we're starting practical integration with NATO in 2009," he told journalists in Brussels on Wednesday, in comments on a communiqué in relation to Ukraine adopted at a NATO ministerial session.

The decision, issued by a foreign minister-level meeting in Brussels of the North Atlantic Council, "bypasses psychological difficulties that have been artificially created over the MAP," the minister said.

"NATO's decision prescribes that the specialized plan that we have every year should be turned into an annual national program of preparations for joining NATO because it is an integral and important part of the MAP," he said.

"It doesn't matter what you call the car that has brought you round - it's a mechanism that is taking us into NATO," Ohryzko said.

Asked by a reporter whether Tuesday's decision meant Ukraine need not join the MAP to become a NATO member, Ohryzko cited Ukrainian Defense Minister Yuriy Yekhanurov's point that Ukraine may join NATO via an "extramural course." "This decision means such an course is a possibility," Ohryzko said.

Ohryzko also said a presentation of the European Union's Eastern Partnership policy would take place at the European Commission headquarters in Brussels on Wednesday. "This is a noticeable and significant step along the road of European integration. Today is a day that has been marked by serious steps along the road of European and Euro-Atlantic integration," he said.