PARIS (Sputnik) – Ukraine should decide on joining NATO in a nationwide referendum, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said Wednesday.
"I think that it's the people of Ukraine who should decide on whether to join NATO, because this issue is fundamental as far as the country's defense and security is concerned. I believe that I will organize a referendum in my country, and my people will have a say on the issue," Poroshenko told France's iTele information channel.
In December 2014, Ukraine canceled the country's non-aligned status, confirming its intention to join NATO. According to Poroshenko, a referendum on NATO membership will be held in the country within six years.
Despite Kiev's aspirations to become part of the alliance, NATO officials have repeatedly stressed that the country needs to implement a wide range of reforms before pursuing bloc membership. Accession to NATO requires unanimous approval by all 28 members of the Alliance.
