The head of the Ministry of Defense Oleksiy Reznikov stated that Ukraine is a de facto member of NATO, despite the fact that it has not officially joined the alliance. He said this in an interview with the BBC.
"Ukraine as a country and the Armed Forces of Ukraine have become members of NATO. De facto, but not de jure (by law). Because we have weapons and an understanding of how to use them," Reznikov noted.
At the same time, he expressed confidence that in the near future Ukraine will become a member of NATO and de jure.
According to the minister, Western countries, concerned that military support for the Armed Forces may be perceived by the Russian Federation as an escalation, have changed their "approach to thinking."
The head of the department also said that his statement should not cause discontent on the Russian side and NATO countries, which do not want to become participants in the military conflict in Ukraine.
At the same time, Reznikov is confident that the Armed Forces will receive Western tanks, combat aircraft and long-range missile launchers.
