Ukraine will officially join the World Trade Organization on May 16, according to The Australian.

The former Soviet republic ratified its accession on April 10 and the WTO said it received formal notification late on Wednesday.

"Ukraine will be a member in 30 days from April 16," the WTO. said.

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Ukraine, which with Russia and Iran is one of the last large countries still outside the WTO, secured a membership invitation in February after 15 years of talks.

Analysts say membership will give Ukraine a say in the ongoing entry talks of giant neighbour Russia.

The two have frequently been embroiled in disputes over their energy trade.

In January, President Viktor Yushchenko said he intended to use Ukraine`s membership to reinforce Kyiv`s position in economic disputes with Moscow.