"We should pursue a policy which will not be a dead-end for Russia's development of its relations with the European Union and NATO. On the contrary, Ukraine should construct a solid bridge for these relations," Viktor Yanukovych said at the Ukraine-NATO session in Brussels.
Relations between the former Soviet neighbors have deteriorated in recent years as the western-leaning government that came to power in the wake of protests known as the "Orange Revolution" seeks to join the European Union, and in the longer run NATO.
The latter objective has particularly displeased Russia, anxious about the approach of NATO bases closer to its borders.
Yanukovych said it was necessary to convince Ukrainians that the prospect of the country joining NATO was not aimed at Russia.
"Today we have no alternative to the strategy which Ukraine chose in its relations with NATO," the premier said. "It is important that Ukraine participate in the formation of a new European security system."
NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said active NATO-Ukrainian partnership will develop further. He added he was satisfied with Ukraine's support of NATO's peacekeeping operations.
