Ukraine’s previous hopes of joining NATO to be dashed

Ukraine is preparing to pass a new law preventing the country from joining any military alliance, including NATO.

The legislation was put forward by the new governing coalition in parliament, in support of the recently elected President Viktor Yanukovich.

The move signals a complete U-turn on the policy of the previous leader, Viktor Yushchenko, who had actively pushed for NATO membership.

Kiev says it will still continue its dialogue with the Western alliance on common interests.