Russia says its relations with NATO could break down irretrievably if Ukraine joins alliance

Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anatoliy Antonov has said Ukraine's accession to NATO would lead to a complete breakdown in relations between Russia and the alliance, which may never be repaired, Russian news agency RIA Novosti reported.

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Antonov was commenting on the decision of the Ukrainian parliament on Tuesday to abandon the country’s non-aligned status.

"So far the decision of the Ukrainian parliament to abolish [Ukraine’s] non-aligned status does not threaten Russia's security, as it is a political decision, but if this decision has military consequences in the future (NATO membership), we will act appropriately,” Antonov said

"Then we will have a complete break in relations with NATO that will be virtually impossible to repair,” Antonov said.

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