Oleksandr Turchynov: NATO is a real instrument of ensuring collective security in Europe and the whole world

NATO is a real instrument of ensuring collective security in Europe and the whole world. This was stated by Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov in an interview with "Interfax-Ukraine" information agency.

Mr. Turchynov pointed out that over the past three years, Ukrainians' stance on this issue has changed significantly. "The majority of our citizens understand that a reliable system of collective security both for Europe and for the world is needed. And NATO is one of the real instruments to ensure it", - he said.

In addition, Secretary of the NSDC of Ukraine stressed that Ukraine's accession to NATO depends not only on Ukraine but on the stance of our partners - members of the Alliance. "This is a rather complicated process: on the one hand, we need resources and time to transfer the entire security sector to the NATO standards, on the other hand, Ukraine is a state that bears all the burden of Russian aggression, and among our allies there are not so many eager to share this problem with us", - he added.

"I am convinced that if our defense is strengthened, Ukraine's military-industrial capacity is expanded, and the professionalism and combat capabilities of our Armed Forces are enhanced, more and more NATO countries will be interested in Ukraine's ability to protect them as well. I believe that not our pleas but our position and our strength should be the main arguments in the decision on Ukraine's accession to NATO", - Secretary of the NSDC of Ukraine summarized.