NATO leaders have vowed to support reforms toward Ukraine’s rapprochement with the Alliance.

Ukraine will become a NATO member with the Membership Action Plan as an integral part of the process, leaders of the Alliance have confirmed at their summit.

That’s according to a communique by the leaders of state and government of 30 NATO Allies.

“We reiterate the decision made at the 2008 Bucharest Summit that Ukraine will become a member of the Alliance with the Membership Action Plan (MAP) as an integral part of the process,” the communique reads.

“We stand firm in our support for Ukraine’s right to decide its own future and foreign policy course free from outside interference.  The Annual National Programmes under the NATO-Ukraine Commission (NUC) remain the mechanism by which Ukraine takes forward the reforms pertaining to its aspiration for NATO membership.  Ukraine should make full use of all instruments available under the NUC to reach its objective of implementing NATO principles and standards,” NATO leaders stress.

The success of wide-ranging, sustainable, and irreversible reforms, including combating corruption, promoting an inclusive political process, and decentralization reform, based on democratic values, respect for human rights, minorities, and the rule of law, will be crucial in laying the groundwork for a prosperous and peaceful Ukraine, according to the document.

Further reforms in the security sector, including the reform of the Security Services of Ukraine, are seen as “particularly important.”