Dmitry Peskov
In Moscow are wary of the process of expansion of NATO at the Russian borders, as this threatens the security of the country. This was stated press Secretary of the President Dmitry Peskov, commenting on Ukraine’s desire to join the Alliance. His words on Thursday, 8 June, the correspondent of “Tape.ru”.
“We believe that this threatens our security and balance of power in the Eurasian region. Of course, the Russian side is taking all necessary steps to rebalancing the situation and protect their own interests and their own security,” Peskov said.
To the question about Ukraine’s chances to join NATO official representative of the Kremlin noted that “it is not for us to make such decisions”. “But, in fact, this is a country where civil war continues, otherwise the decision is taken in Brussels and in the capitals, where is the overall management process”, — concluded the spokesman.
Earlier on Thursday the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine introduced changes to several laws relating to foreign policy. The new priority is getting the country’s membership in NATO. The change was supported by 276 deputies out of 450.
Speaker of Parliament Andriy Parubiy suggested that to consider the law on Ukraine’s accession to NATO on 3 June. President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko confirmed his intention to hold a referendum on joining the North Atlantic Alliance in February. According to him, four years ago Ukraine’s membership in NATO was supported by 16 percent of the population, this year — 54 percent.