Russia's actions prove need for NATO expansion - Poroshenko

"No one else but Russia with its aggressive actions convincingly proved the usefulness of the organization, the need for its reinforcement and further expansion. There's no alternative," he said at the extended meeting of the security council. According to him, the support of the Ukrainian public for joining NATO is growing and is now at 60% of the country. "The Euro-Atlantic choice with the prospect of joining NATO is gaining extremely important support in Ukrainian society. Two years ago, the Euro-Atlantic integration direction was supported by 16% of Ukrainians. One year ago their number was reaching 50%. Right now, the number of Ukrainians supporting Euro-Atlantic integration already exceeds 60%," Poroshenko said on Tuesday. However the president admitted that Ukraine will only be able to apply for membership in NATO after conducting reforms.