National Security and Defense Council Secretary of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov has said there is much to reform in order for Ukraine to meet NATO standards.

"Firstly, if a referendum were held today a majority of Ukrainians would vote for accession to NATO. The opinion of Ukrainians on this question has evolved considerably over the past several years. The majority of Ukrainians understand the country needs a reliable system of collective security, both for Europe and the entire world. NATO is a vehicle providing this," Turchynov said in an exclusive interview with the Kyiv-based Interfax-Ukraine news agency.

The NSDC secretary said accession depends both on Ukraine and NATO member states.

"Accession is a complicated process. On the one hand, we have the necessary recourses and time to bring Ukraine's security and defense sector up to NATO standards. On the other hand, Ukraine is currently facing down Russian aggression and our allies are reluctant to get too involved in this problem," Turchynov said.

"Solutions to some problems require a year. Others require decades," the NSDC secretary said.

"Let me go back to what I said earlier. Accession doesn't only depend on Ukraine. Even when we report back [to NATO allies] that everything, starting with weapons, communications equipment and end with organizational structure and systems management, complies with NATO standards, it's not a fact NATO member states will unanimously vote for Ukraine to accede. It's a complicated issue involves the interests of many governments and, of course, Russia will try to prevent this," Turchynov said.