Ukraine is a de facto member of NATO - Reznikov

Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov said this in an interview with the BBC, Ukrinform reports.

"Ukraine as a country, and the armed forces of Ukraine, became [a] member of NATO. De facto, not de jure (by law). Because we have weaponry, and the understanding of how to use it. […] I'm sure that in the near future, we'll become a member of NATO, de jure," he said.

Reznikov denied that his comments would be seen as controversial, not only by Russia but, perhaps, by NATO itself, as the alliance has taken steps not to be seen as a party to the conflict.

Reznikov also said he was sure Ukraine would receive long-sought weapons, including tanks and fighter jets, as both Ukraine and Russia seemed to be preparing for new offensives in the spring.

According to him, Russia is losing about 500-600 of its soldiers every day across the country. He believed Russia could be trying to gather "forces, ammunition and weapons" for an offensive from areas it already occupies in the south and east.

"Spring is the best period to refresh the movement for all sides. We understand they'll be ready to start and, surely, we have to be ready to start," Reznikov said.

Reznikov spoke a day after the Russian defense ministry replaced the commander of its forces in Ukraine, a surprise announcement that was seen as a sign of a power struggle. Gen Valery Gerasimov, one of the architects of last year's invasion, would return to the post that was being held by Gen Sergei Surovikin, who had been appointed in October.

The change, Reznikov said, was a result of the "conflict between Mr Prigozhin and the armed forces of the Russian Federation."

Gen Surovikin oversaw the recent brutal attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure that, according to Reznikov, "reduced the [Russian missile] stocks without any results."