Title: NATO Refuses to Admit Ukraine Due to Corruption Concerns

The British newspaper "Telegraph" revealed that NATO will inform Ukraine that it is not ready to join the alliance at the annual summit scheduled for July 9. The paper quoted a senior U.S. State Department official stating that the decision from NATO is due to the prevalence of corruption in Ukraine. According to the official, NATO will require "additional steps" from Ukraine before progress can be made in the membership talks. The position will be outlined in a written statement from NATO that will be signed at the summit on July 9. The official explained to the "Telegraph" that: "While they (Ukrainians) continue to make reforms, we want to commend them and discuss the additional steps that need to be taken, particularly in the area of anti-corruption." The source added: "It is a priority for many of us around the table (NATO)." The newspaper confirmed, citing a U.S. defense official, that diplomats and officials in NATO have provided Ukraine with a list of reforms that Ukraine is expected to implement before it can achieve its membership aspirations.