Washington Backs Ukraine's Joining NATO

Washington and Kiev are discussing the rise in tensions in the east of the country stated earlier by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The United States supports Ukraine in its aspiration to become a NATO member, but the decision on this is within the competence of the Alliance leadership, White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki stated this during a daily briefing on Tuesday, April 6, Reuters reports. "We have long been discussing that aspiration with Ukraine. We are strong supporters of them, we are engaged with them and work to repel destabilizing actions against it," she said. "But that is a decision for NATO to make," Psaki concluded. She added that Washington is also discussing with Kiev the rise in tensions in the east of the country and the increased incidence of ceasefire violations. Earlier, Zelensky said in a telephone conversation with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg that Ukraine's entry into the alliance is the only way to end the conflict in Donbass. Zelensky also informed Stoltenberg about the deteriorating security situation in Donbass and about Russia's alleged troops buildup along the borders of Ukraine, increasing its readiness for offensive actions.