Kyiv: On Friday, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that he was aware that Ukraine's NATO membership would be "impossible" as long as Russia was at war with it.

While Zelensky has pushed for Ukrainian membership in the military alliance, there is disagreement among allies as to how quickly it should happen. Western governments are leery of any action that might bring the alliance and Russia closer to war.

He claimed that joining the alliance remained Kyiv's best security assurance during a joint press conference in the Ukrainian capital with President of Estonia Alar Karis.

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Zelensky remarked, "But we are decent people and understand that we will not drag any NATO country into a war. And for that reason, we are aware that we won't join NATO as long as this conflict is ongoing. Not out of a lack of desire, but rather because it is not possible.

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The leaders of the 31 NATO nations will meet in Vilnius, Lithuania, in July for their fourth summit since Russia invaded Ukraine. The proceedings will be dominated by how to resolve the conflict, just like in the previous three. The leaders of the nations will take into account what Kyiv needs to continue fighting and what their states can provide.

Finland, which joined in April as a result of the invasion, will be welcomed. They'll talk about Sweden's forthcoming application. They will also talk about Ukraine's bid because they have invited Volodymyr Zelensky. They will confirm that Kyiv is on track to join the organisation if the past is any indication.

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The accession of Ukraine to NATO has the support of all members, according to NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg in April. "NATO is Ukraine's future."