Ukraine has become a de facto member of the NATO military alliance.

APA reports that Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksey Reznikov said this in an interview with the BBC:

"Ukraine and its armed forces are (already) a member of NATO. De facto, not de jure. Because we have weapons and know how to use them. I am sure that in the near future we will join NATO We will be a de jure member".

Reznikov noted that Western countries, which were previously worried that military aid to Ukraine would turn into an escalation with Russia, have changed their approach.

The minister said that he is sure that Ukraine will receive the weapons it has wanted for a long time, such as tanks and fighter jets.

He added that both Ukraine and Russia are preparing for new attacks in the spring.