Ukraine to bid for EU membership, launch campaign to join NATO in 2024: President

KIEV - Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said here on Tuesday that his country will submit an application to join the European Union (EU) and will start implementing the NATO Membership Action Plan (MAP) in 2024, the presidential press service said.

"This is not only Ukraine that needs this membership. The EU and NATO definitely need Ukraine to become a full-fledged member of these structures," Poroshenko said during the forum "From Kruty to Brussels. We Follow Our Own Path."

Last year, the Ukrainian parliament approved in the first reading a bill on including Ukraine's goal to join NATO and the EU in the constitution.

In 2014, when pro-West authorities came into power in Ukraine, Kiev abandoned its multilateral policy and set a course toward European integration. Furthermore, the parliament revoked Ukraine's non-aligned status, paving the way for its membership in military blocs.

Since then, Ukraine has strengthened cooperation with the EU and increased interactions with NATO, but neither organization has promised Kiev immediate membership prospects.

The MAP is a NATO program offering advice, assistance and practical support to countries wishing to join the alliance.