The US cited the reason Ukraine did not join NATO in 2006

Ukraine could have joined NATO in 2006, but former President Viktor Yanukovych prevented this. Details of this were recounted in 2000-2004 by US Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs, Steve Pifer.

Yanukovych was Ukraine's prime minister at the time under President Viktor Yushchenko. According to Pifer, the latter insisted on receiving an action plan for NATO membership.

However, Yanukovych opposed this, which, according to Pifer, prevented Ukraine from joining NATO 18 years ago.

Previously, current Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky said Kyiv was preparing to sign a document with Hungary, which would reinforce Budapest's intention not to block Kyiv's invitation to join NATO.