Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shakes hands with Estonian President Alar Karis, Kiev, Ukraine, June 2, 2023 (Reuters)

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine claimed on Friday that only full membership in NATO can provide true protection for his country, as Kiev continues to seek further security assurances from the Western alliance.

"We are not seeking a substitute for NATO, and it is crucial that our partners hear us," Zelensky stated during a press conference after meeting with Estonian President Alar Karis in the Ukrainian capital.

"That's why we are having numerous high-level meetings. We are not seeking an alternative," the President added.

Zelensky maintained that the pre-existing commitment of NATO member states to defend one another would offer the best security guarantees for his country.

He cited Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, which declares that an act of aggression made on one member of the US-led military alliance "shall be regarded as an attack on them all."

However, the Ukrainian leader admitted that it is unlikely for his country to become a member of NATO until the armed conflict with Russia comes to an end, as stated by his office.

"It is not because we don't want it, but because it is impossible," he explained.

Zelensky's comments followed a suggestion earlier this week by French President Emmanuel Macron that Ukraine could receive "tangible" security guarantees without an official NATO membership.

In September 2022, Ukraine submitted an application to join the Western alliance, citing Russia's military operation earlier that year. The Financial Times reported on Wednesday that the Ukrainian President informed his Western allies that he will only attend the NATO summit in Lithuania in July if "concrete" security guarantees are made to Kiev or a roadmap to membership is proposed.

Russia views NATO's continuous expansion toward its eastern borders as a direct threat to its security. The support provided by member nations to Ukraine has been cited by Moscow as a significant factor that led to its military intervention in the neighboring country in February 2022.

Moscow has long underscored the importance of Ukraine's neutrality as a fundamental condition for establishing sustainable and enduring peace in the region.