Ukraine's President declared yesterday that membership of Nato was vital to the security of his country.

Alarmed by Russia's invasion of Georgia, President Yushchenko marked the anniversary of Ukrainian independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union by calling for a steep increase in defence spending and a speedy entry into Nato.

His speech to thousands of people in Kiev's Independence Square — scene of the 2004 Orange revolution that swept the pro-Western president to power — took place during Ukraine's first military parade since 2001.

“We must intensify our work to win membership in the European security system and strengthen the defence capabilities of our country,” Mr Yushchenko said. “Anyone who cares about Ukraine must openly declare that entry into the Euro-Atlantic security system is the only way to protect the lives and ensure the well-being of our families, children and grandchildren.”

President Medvedev of Russia warned Mr Yushchenko against spoiling relations, saying that the two countries were “linked by years of spiritual, cultural and historical ties”.

“I believe the main task now is not to allow this precious asset, which we inherited from past generations, to be wasted. We need to preserve it and build it up,” Mr Medvedev said in a message to his Ukrainian counterpart.

Russia fiercely opposes Nato membership for Ukraine and has threatened to target nuclear missiles at its neighbour if it joins the alliance.

Kiev fears that the Kremlin will stoke separatist sentiment in the pro-Russian region of Crimea to derail its membership bid, just as it stirred tensions in Georgia's breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

Mr Yushchenko told The Times in an exclusive interview on Saturday that Nato membership was the “only way for our country to protect our national security and sovereignty”. He added: “The peace and security of Europe are under threat, thus a united Europe should give a robust and appropriate response.” Nato refused to offer Ukraine and Georgia a Membership Action Plan in April, despite intense lobbying from US President George W. Bush. It will consider fresh applications in December.

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