Ukraine votes to drop non-aligned status

[Bosonic]

Source: BBC

Ukraine's parliament has voted to drop the country's non-aligned status and work towards Nato membership.

Russia reacted quickly to the move, calling it an "unfriendly step" that will only "add to nuisances" in ties.

The BBC's David Stern in Kiev says it is not clear when Ukraine will apply for Nato membership and many officials see it as a distant prospect.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko pledged to seek Nato membership over Russian support for rebels in the east.

Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-30587924

[davidpdx]

1. We'll see what Russia does this time around

and how much worse they can make things then they already are.

[jakeXT]

3. Winter is coming /nt

[FLPanhandle]

2. Good timing. Do it while Russia is running out of money.

I don't think Putin can afford to a full invasion and occupation right now.

[Duckhunter935]

4. Ukraine will not be allowed

to join NATO for a long time. Russia will make all kinds of noise and send more support and weapons to the east. I will predict they will eventually be invited to station there own troops and equipment permanantly on Ukrainian eastern territory. Who is the aggressor? Ukraine who was not even going to request NATO membership before being invaded and had part of the contry annexed. And before you respond with the vote bullshit, Crimea remaining part of Ukraine was not even one of the choices allowed by Russia on the ballot.

Ukraine had internationally recognized free and fair elections for both the president and Rada. Unlike the east and Crimea.