KIEV, July 27 ??“ Tens of Ukraine??™s strategic objects may become vulnerable to an attack within years as short-range missile complexes currently protecting them will become obsolete, President Viktor Yushchenko said Thursday.

This, as well as other factors, such as stationing of Russian navy in Ukraine along with Russia??™s apparent territorial claims, underscores an urgent need for Ukraine to join NATO, Yushchenko said.

???We have to be honest: either we chose a concept of the country??™s security, or this will be an undefended territory that would not be able to react to challenges,??? Yushchenko said.

The comments, made at roundtable discussions over a political crisis, are the strongest arguments yet made by Yushchenko to defend the country??™s course towards the accession to NATO.