Ukraine's NATO Membership is a Direct Threat to Russia's Security

Ukraine's membership in NATO is a direct threat to Russia's security. This statement was made by Russian President Vladimir Putin in a message to citizens on February 21.

According to the Russian leader, Ukraine's constitution does not allow foreign military bases; however, this has been "circumvented by calling NATO's bases a mission."

“Ukraine's membership in NATO is a direct threat to Russia's security. ... Every country has the right to join military alliances, but one cannot strengthen their own security at the expense of the security of other states,” Vladimir Putin believes.