Ukraine Takes Steps to Join NATO

Ukraine began the initial steps of joining NATO when its parliament voted to abandon its non-aligned status Tuesday. Russia has long sought to keep Ukraine from joining NATO. The country halted its former pursuit of NATO membership in 2010 under pressure from Russia. The current parliament overwhelmingly supported the move, with a vote of 303-9 to end its non-aligned status. NATO issued a statement, saying its “door is open” to Ukraine.