German Chancellor Olaf Scholz promised Ukraine long-term security guarantees.
He said this during a speech before the Bundestag deputies, Reuters reports.
At the same time, Scholz dashed Kyiv's hopes for accelerated accession to NATO.
"We have to take a sober look at the current situation," said the German chancellor, adding that the Ukrainian authorities themselves recognize the impossibility of becoming a NATO member while the war continues.
He emphasized the need to focus on the most important priority at the NATO summit in Vilnius, namely strengthening Ukraine's combat capability.
According to Scholz, Berlin, together with partners from the G7 and the European Union, are working on long-term security guarantees for Kyiv.
"Our goal is... stable military support for Ukraine, including modern Western weapons, and strengthening of Ukraine's economic stability during its defense against Russian aggression," he added.
As you know, at the July NATO summit in Vilnius, Ukraine seeks to reach clear formulations regarding the prospect of becoming a member of the North Atlantic Alliance.
British Foreign Secretary James Cleverley said on Wednesday that London would be "very supportive" if Ukraine could go through a simplified process to join NATO.
According to Le Monde, France has changed its cautious position regarding Ukraine's membership in NATO.
