AKIPRESS.COM - Ukraine has begun the process of withdrawal from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Ukrinform reported yesterday referring to the National Security and Defense Council Secretary, Andriy Parubiy.

“The National Security and Defense Council decided not only to end the chairmanship of the CIS, but also to begin the process of withdrawal from the CIS,” Parubiy said.

In addition, it was decided to develop a plan to hold joint exercises involving the Ukrainian army and allies that guarantee Ukraine's security. A relevant appeal to the guarantor countries has already been prepared, he added.

Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Yevhen Perebyinis said earlier that Ukraine was ending its CIS presidency in 2014.