Bush says US will back Ukraine Nato membership

George Bush backs Ukrainian Nato membership during Kiev visit

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Tuesday, 01, Apr 2008 12:40

George Bush has confirmed American backing for Ukraine to join Nato despite protests from other members and Russia.

Speaking at a press conference with Ukrainian president Viktor Yushchenko, Mr Bush said Washington "strongly supports" Kiev's request.

Moscow is uncomfortable with Ukraine and Georgia, which is also pushing for Nato membership, joining the 26-member alliance.

The US has already unveiled plans to install missile defence shields in Poland and Czech Republic, which both joined Nato in 1999.

Russia has publicly questioned the American claim the missile bases are aimed at threats from 'rogue' states such as North Korea and Iran and fears further deployments in neighbours Ukraine and Georgia.

Deputy foreign minister Grigory Karasin told Russian media Ukraine's Nato membership would lead to a "deep crisis" in relations between Moscow and Kiev.

Other European nations, notably France and Germany, have warned against risking worsening relations with Russia, which supplies large quantities of energy to western Europe.

But Mr Bush said he would use his swansong Nato summit as US president to press the case for Ukrainian membership of the alliance.

"Your nation has made a bold decision and the United States strongly supports your request," he said at a news conference in Kiev.

"In Bucharest this week, I will continue to make America's position clear. We support [Nato membership] for Ukraine and Georgia. Helping Ukraine move towards Nato membership is in the interest of every member in the alliance and will help advance security and freedom in this region and around the world."

Ahead of the Nato meeting in the Romanian capital, Mr Bush also anticipated "breakthroughs" in Washington's dispute with outgoing Russian president Vladimir Putin over the US missile defence shield.