“Ukraine has clearly defined its political future and its future in the sphere of security,” said Poroshenko speaking to reporters alongside Stoltenberg. Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, reacting to Stoltenberg’s comment repeated Russia’s assertion that it had never had troops in Ukraine. NATO leaders agreed at a summit in 2008 that Ukraine would one day become a member of the alliance. Poroshenko, in comments issued by his office, said Ukraine was determined to conduct reforms in order to “have a clear schedule of what must be done by 2020 to meet the NATO membership criteria.”A NATO spokesperson said these would relate to defense, anti-corruption measures, governance and law enforcement. Ukrainian politicians pinned the blame on Russia, while Russia denied involvement.

Source: Egypt Independent July 11, 2017 09:11 UTC