Russia warns against Ukraine joining NATO, criticizes U.S.

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov underlined Russia's opposition to Ukraine joining NATO as the alliance gathered for a summit on Thursday and warned the United States not to try to impose its own will on the former Soviet republic. In a reference to opponents of NATO membership in Ukraine, who include members of the Russian-speaking minority, Lavrov said attempts to end the country's non-aligned status could "derail all efforts aimed at initiating a dialogue with the aim of ensuring national security." (Reporting by Katya Golubkova, Editing by Timothy Heritage)