KIEV, Ukraine (CNN) -- A planned missile defense system in Eastern Europe poses no threat to Russia, President George Bush said Tuesday, responding to concerns that the U.S. might use interceptor missiles for offensive purposes. President Bush, with President Viktor Yushchenko, praised Ukraine's democratic and military reforms. "The missile defense system is not aimed at Russia," Bush said at a news conference in Kiev following talks with the Ukrainian president. "It's viewed as an anti-Russian device. Well, it's not." His comments came before he left Kiev for a NATO summit in Bucharest, Romania, that is expected to highlight divisions over the plan. The summit begins Wednesday.NEW: Bush: Russia can't veto Georgia's, Ukraine's inclusion in NATO's MAP programEuropean countries share doubts that system is designed to deter Iran, North KoreaU.S. president says he will push for Ukraine, Georgia to join NATOAnalyst says both issues threaten to destabilize NATO
"I strongly believe that _ and Georgia should be given MAP," Bush said. _'s concerns also align with those of some NATO members who oppose welcoming Georgia and Ukraine into the fold. _ President Viktor Yushchenko said his country should be able to start the NATO membership process. Ukrainian President _ said his country should be able to start the NATO membership process. "We are not speaking about joining NATO; we are only speaking about _," he said at the news conference. "Why should _ be deprived of that sovereign right, since the principle of open doors is the basic principle for NATO?". _ also has demonstrated a commitment to democracy, he said.