"We are convinced that the only real guarantee of security for Ukraine, as well as a deterrent to further Russian aggression against Ukraine and other states, is Ukraine's full membership in NATO. With the bitter experience of the Budapest Memorandum behind us, we will not accept any alternatives, surrogates or substitutes for Ukraine's full membership in NATO," the Ministry said.Ukraine called on the US, UK, France, China, and other NATO signatories to provide binding security guarantees to Ukraine. Ukraine’s demand for NATO membership comes amid a growing realization that the Budapest Memorandum has failed to prevent aggression from nuclear states and has left Ukraine vulnerable. Ukrainian officials believe NATO membership is the only way to restore confidence in nuclear disarmament and uphold international law. The statement concluded by calling for NATO to take concrete steps towards Ukraine's accession to the alliance to counter Russian blackmail and to preserve global security. Related:
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