Yushchenko rules out NATO bases in Ukraine

13 Feb, 2008 19:23 / Updated 17 years ago

Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko says his country is prepared to strengthen its constitution to make sure there will never be any NATO bases on its soil.

During a meeting with the Ukrainian community in Moscow, Yuschenko said the country is to hold a referendum on NATO membership. On Tuesday, Vladimir Putin warned Yushchenko that Russia may target its missiles at Ukraine if it joins NATO and agrees to host a U.S. missile shield. However, the two leaders did manage to settle the latest gas dispute and prevent the cutting of supplies.