Ukraine pessimistic about joining Nato ahead of Vilnius summit

The US and Germany are unwilling to support Ukraine's membership while the conflict with Russia is ongoing

Ukraine is increasingly pessimistic about taking a significant step forward in joining Nato as leaders of the western military alliance are set to assemble on Tuesday in the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius.

Kyiv is expected to be offered a package of last-minute enabling security guarantees" at the two day summit - an assurance from countries such as the US, UK, France and Germany that military aid and training will continue in the long term.