Ukraine's parliament voted on Tuesday, Dec 23, for the country to renounce its "non-aligned" status and work towards membership in the NATO alliance.

The amendment received 303 votes, 77 more than the minimum required to pass into law, according to Reuters.

The non-aligned status, which Ukraine adopted in 2010, prevents states from joining military alliances.

Addressing foreign ambassadors, President Poroshenko said Ukraine's "fight for its independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty has turned into a decisive factor in our relations with the world".