Russian aggression and military presence are the major obstacle for Ukraine and Georgia's NATO membership. U.S. Charge d'Affaires in Ukraine William Taylor said so in his interview with Georgia's Channel 1.
"Of course, the NATO does not want the new members that increase chances of a collision with Russia. However, the Washington Treaty says that any European country can file an appeal for membership - even the countries that face challenges. It would be nice if Russians left South Ossetia, Abkhazia, Crimea or Donbas; it would make the joining proceess easier", Taylor said.
At that, he remembered the NATO Summit in Bucharest in 2008; back then, one of the key messages was that Ukraine and Georgia would surely become the Alliance members in the future.
Tayor added that the NATO is well aware of Ukraine and Georgia's intentions to join the Alliance, and military drills are part of this goal being implemented.
