Prystaiko's remark about Ukraine's refusal to join NATO taken out of context - MFA

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has said that a remark by Ukraine's Ambassador to the United Kingdom Vadym Prystaiko about Ukraine's alleged readiness to consider refusing to join NATO in order to prevent war with Russia was taken out of context.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Oleg Nikolenko said this in a comment to Ukrinform.

"Of course, for the sake of peace and saving the lives of our citizens, Ukraine is ready to enter into any format of dialogue with countries and international organizations. At the same time, Ambassador Prystaiko rightly noted in an interview that the prospect of NATO membership is enshrined in the Constitution of Ukraine, but Ukraine is not currently a member of NATO or another security alliance. Therefore, the issue of security guarantees becomes a key issue for our country," he said.

According to Nikolenko, the best such guarantee would be Ukraine's immediate accession to NATO.

"But threats to Ukraine exist here and now, so finding an answer to the question of guarantees becomes a fundamental urgent task. At the same time, no decision can be made contrary to the Constitution of Ukraine," Nikolenko said.

Prystaiko in an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live suggested that Ukraine may refuse to join NATO if circumstances so require.

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