Ukrainian FM sees 'added value' for NATO in Ukraine's integration
KYIV. June 19 (Interfax) - NATO countries should prepare for new challenges and it would be easier with Ukraine than without it, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin said.
"Ukraine's inclusion represents 'added value' for NATO. Western partners should prepare for new challenges, and it would be easier with Ukraine than without it. We showed that we are ready to fight for our country. We are no longer an easy target. And it's not only about equipment and our experience of hybrid war with Russia. Our partners in NATO have much to learn from us. It's a question of tactics, defense capacity, and combat readiness. Modern weapons are pointless without them," Klimkin said in an interview with Austria's Profil magazine.
Ukraine is intending to adopt NATO standards and views membership in the alliance as a strategic goal, he said. "NATO is close to us, and we are important for NATO. Therefore, we are planning to bring ourselves in line with NATO standards and view membership as a goal," he said.
"We won't repeat this mistake," Klimkin said, recalling that Ukraine had been a non-aligned and virtually neutral state until recently.
