KIEV, Ukraine — President Bush expressed strong support on Tuesday for Ukraine’s attempt to join the NATO alliance. His stand risked a diplomatic confrontation with Russia even as the administration sought an agreement with President Vladimir Putin over American missile defenses in Europe.
Bush spoke on the eve of a meeting of NATO leaders in Romania at a time when Ukraine’s hopes for putting itself on a clear path to membership appeared increasingly in doubt. Two strong NATO allies, France and Germany, have said they do not favor Ukraine’s membership, partly out of concern it would unnecessarily antagonize Russia.
At the meetings, which begin today in Bucharest, NATO leaders will decide whether to extend full membership to Albania, Croatia and Macedonia as well as “action plans” for eventual membership for Ukraine and Georgia.
Because NATO operates on consensus, the opposition of any country can block a decision.
