Ukraine Minister Calls Ban on Foreign Military Bases “Outdated,” Kyiv Preparing to Host Nato Troops?

Ukrainian Defense Minister Aleksey Reznikov has called for amending the constitution to allow NATO bases in Ukraine, stating that the ban on foreign military bases is outdated and should be removed. Reznikov also recommended adding a declaration that Ukraine independently chooses its security mechanisms, including joining international treaties or organisations. However, he did not address the provisions in Article 17 that prohibit the use of the Ukrainian military to restrict citizens' rights or create unauthorised armed units, which Russia says Kyiv has violated since 2014. This call marks a U-turn from Ukraine's 2019 constitutional amendment that blocked foreign military bases. Reznikov reaffirmed Ukraine's objective of joining NATO but emphasised that membership ultimately depends on NATO partners' political will.