Decision on Ukraine's NATO membership shall be made by Allies - Stefanishyna

That’s according to Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, Minister of Justice Olha Stefanishyna, Ukrinform reports citing the Ministry of Justice.

In response to the comment by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, that Ukraine's accession to the Alliance in the context of the settlement talks is allegedly not the table, Stefanishyna emphasized that such a decision would be made jointly by by Allies, taking into account Ukraine’s importance for European security.

“The decisions on Ukraine's membership in NATO are made by allies. This decision will be the result of the consensus of the Allies with an understanding of Ukraine’s contribution to and role in Europe's security. Ukraine de facto is already part of the Transatlantic security space, and will never become some ‘buffer zone’ or Russia’s colony, "she stressed.

The deputy prime minister expressed surprise, noting that such positions were never voiced during meetings with the Ukrainian side.

Earlier, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said U.S. President Donald Trump had ruled out Ukraine's accession to NATO following from negotiations on ending the war with Russia.

Photo: Olha Stefanishyna, Facebook