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Regarding Russia’s demands, Kiev: Ukraine-NATO are free to make choices. Photo/Illustration
“In the context of the provisions of the draft agreement concerning Ukraine, we emphasize that only Ukraine and NATO member states have the right to decide the direction of further development of our relations, including the issue of Ukraine obtaining membership in the Alliance,” said Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Oleg Nicolenko. in a statement released by the Ukrainian Embassy, Saturday (12/18/2021).
Nicolenko said NATO shares the same position, which was confirmed, in particular, in its statement on December 16, 2021.
The same applies to Ukraine’s exclusive sovereign right to independently determine the direction of its relations with foreign countries at the bilateral level, which includes military cooperation.
Also read: About Russia’s Demands, This is the White House’s Response
“We underline the generally accepted fact: the main security issue for the Euro-Atlantic region today is the armed aggression of Russia, as well as Russia’s current escalation along the borders of Ukraine and in its occupied territories,” he said.
“The cessation of escalation and the cessation of the international armed conflict that Russia has started is the best guarantee of security on the continent,” he continued.
He also called for Russia to return and unconditionally begin implementing the Minsk and Normandy Treaties as a constructive first step.
“Includes the general conclusions agreed upon from the Normandy Four Summit 2019 relating to strict adherence to the ceasefire, further withdrawal of troops and equipment, continuation of the minefield process, implementation of the political aspects of the Overall Agreed Conclusions of the Paris Summit, opening and ensuring the functioning of the post. new checks on contact lines, carrying out the next stage of the process of joint release of detainees and exchange of relevant lists,” he concluded.
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