Ukraine insists on an invitation to start the process of joining NATO at the summit of the Western military alliance next month, Sky News reports.

Now the president’s adviser has said that Volodymyr Zelenskyi will not come unless the leaders show “courage” and give a clear signal that the process can begin.

Kyiv has admitted that it cannot join NATO while the war continues, but wants to start the process.

“Now this request is on the table of the leaders of NATO allies,” said senior diplomatic adviser Ihot Zhovka.

“The Vilnius summit would be a very good start to respond to this demand. And by response, we mean an invitation to join, which is only the first step,” says the official.

Ukraine’s allies remain divided over how soon it should join NATO, with some wary of any moves that could bring the alliance closer to war with Russia.

But Kyiv says its fight against the Russian invasion proves it is worthy of NATO membership.

Zelensk said there was “no point” in going to the summit unless he was given a “signal” at the meeting – and his absence would overshadow any show of Western unity at the summit.

“If there is no result at the Vilnius summit, then he has no reason and no time to go,” Zhovkva said.

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