Ukraine has no intention of bidding to become...
A Ukrainian NATO bid pushed by outgoing President Viktor Yushchenko was strongly backed by the administration of U.S. President George W. Bush. But despite Washington"s enthusiasm, it was turned down at a 2008 NATO summit in Bucharest due to pressure from Germany and France, who were concerned that the move would antagonize Russia.
NATO stated however that Ukraine, along with fellow former Soviet republic Georgia, would join the alliance at an unspecified date in the future.
"There is no question of Ukraine joining NATO," Yanukovych said in an interview with Russia"s Channel One.
"Ukraine is interested today in the development of a project to create a system of collective European security. We are ready to take part in this and support the initiative of Russia President Dmitry Medvedev," he went on, in a clear indication that the former premier will look to restore ties with Russia, soured in recent years over Ukraine"s pro-Western policies.