Poroshenko Submits Bill to Cancel Ukraine's Non-Aligned Status

Ukraine has abandoned the practice of non-alignment policies, after Petro Poroshenko submitted a bill to the parliament.

KIEV, December 18 (Sputnik) — Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Thursday submitted a bill to the parliament on ending the country's non-aligned status, a statement on the presidential website said.

"President Petro Poroshenko submitted a bill in the Verkhovna Rada introducing changes to the Ukrainian legislation in reference to Ukraine's decision to abandon the practice of non-alignment policies," the statement said.

According to the statement, the draft law is aimed at creating an “additional mechanism of ensuring sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence”, as Ukraine’s non-alignment has shown to be “inefficient” in defending the country from foreign aggression.

Poroshenko designated the bill as the highest priority and asked the parliament to consider it urgently.

Ukrainian authorities announced their decision to abolish the country’s non-aligned status and resume Ukraine’s course towards NATO membership in August.

Ukraine's non-alignment is outlined in a 2010 law, signed by then-president Viktor Yanukovych. The existing legislation stipulates that Ukraine is not to be dependent on other states or international structures, and may not seek membership in military-political alliances.