NATO door remains open, but for Ukraine and Georgia to join NATO, they must meet Alliance standards. Such a statement made today NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said in a speech at the College of Europe in Bruges.

“My message to both Ukraine and Georgia is that they have to focus on reform - reform and modernize the institutions, strengthen the democratic institutions, and fight corruption. We are helping them in their efforts to carry out these reforms.

Whether the country becomes the member or not, it is to be decided by that country and the members of NATO. If a country wants to become a member of Alliance, as is the case with Georgia and Ukraine, it is up to NATO members and these countries to decide, and no one else. Russia cannot deny the right of a sovereign state to join NATO”, - said Jens Stoltenberg.