US Diplomatic Representative: “NATO Expansion Benefits Russia”
US State Department Special Representative Kurt Volker commented on Ukraine's possible accession to NATO and said that Russia benefits from the alliance's expansion.
During the meeting, he noted that the entry time depends on both Kiev and NATO. The country must meet certain criteria and the military bloc organization must be ready to officially start the accession procedure.
“I can't predict when this will happen,” said Mr. Volker.
To a clarifying question, whether Russia's reaction to this will follow, the diplomat said: "I hope not."
He noted that Russia “actually benefits from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania joining NATO.”
“Now these are independent countries, members of the EU, part of NATO and they are great neighbours for Russia, there is peace, no violence, trade, economic development,” he said.
