A Step Toward the Istanbul Summit
“The memorandum ratified is extremely relevant from the perspective of Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic integration. This document will promote the further development of the practical mechanisms of cooperation between Ukraine and the alliance. The ratification of the memorandum was a key measure envisioned by the 2003 Ukraine-NATO Target Plan. Yesterday’s [March 17 — Ed.] vote yet again confirmed the fact that Ukraine is consistent and determined in honoring its obligations. The memorandum does not run counter to the legislation in force. Under the relevant clauses of the law On the Procedure of Granting Foreign Armed Forces Access to Ukrainian Territory and Terms of Their Presence, foreign armed forces can be granted access only after the relevant decision is approved in Verkhovna Rada. Only after the political decision is made to allow temporary presence of foreign units, the memorandum in question will take effect and will serve as a framework agreement. What will this give us? The memorandum will make it possible to significantly improve, and I would even say simplify, the resolution of a number of practical issues. They concern jurisdiction and distribution of powers among the host country, that is, Ukraine, and representatives of the military of other nations. The memorandum addresses financial, fiscal, and customs issues, protection of the environment, which is a crucial issue considering the recent events involving the Yavoriv Proving Ground, security measures, and so forth. As for its legal aspect, this memorandum is a logical continuation of several enactments and international agreements previously ratified by Ukraine. The economic aspect also merits special note. Since 1994, Ukraine has hosted numerous joint military exercises. Of utmost importance are investments in the infrastructure used by the military such as proving grounds, roads, and garrison towns. When planning their joint exercises, NATO members invest heavily in the repairs and renewal of the infrastructure, let alone the purchases of fuel and oils, food, and consumer goods manufactured by Ukrainian producers. According to our estimates, the exercises hosted by Ukraine in 2002 attracted half a million euros in investment. Last year this figure climbed to 900,000 euros. I want to reiterate that the memorandum does not run counter to the legislation in force. It is not a document that opens doors to ‘unimpeded access’ by NATO forces, to quote the Communists. This is an obvious falsification, as the document does not say this. It only regulates the procedures relating to the host country and foreign divisions after they have received permission to deploy on Ukrainian territory.”
“Has Ukraine’s Defense Ministry considered the possible response from Russia to Ukraine’s latest decision regarding its cooperation with NATO?”
“It has not, and I can say why. This is merely an enactment that is a supplement to the laws in force. Let alone the fact that Russia itself is in a stage of intensifying relations with the alliance. Thus, I think we should not expect any response. Moreover, a negative one.”
“What is your assessment of the current level of Ukraine’s cooperation with NATO in the light of the upcoming NATO Summit in Istanbul? How do you picture the relationship between Kyiv and Brussels after the summit?”
“The Istanbul Summit should be viewed through the lens of certain factors in the international arena, which significantly affect our relationship with NATO. Above all I mean the process of NATO transformation, which is in its final stage. NATO is adapting to the real challenges of the day. Another factor is that NATO pays increased attention to Afghanistan. In addition, the Middle East crisis significantly affects NATO policies. All these foreign policy factors will determine NATO’s approach to addressing conflicts in regions of crisis.
“As for the cooperation between Ukraine and NATO, I would not like to touch on spheres outside the military. Speaking of the level of cooperation in the defense sphere, we have been repeatedly praised by both experts and many nations for the progress of our defense reform and our efforts to embrace NATO standards. Thus, from the perspective of achievements in the defense sphere, we, in principle, have accumulated a significant critical mass of positives, which inspires optimism. As for the military aspect, we will be ready to propose and embrace a more effective form of cooperation, which could be reflected in the Membership Action Plan.”
