Ukraine's Zelenskiy: NATO membership 'impossible' until Russia war ends

FILE PHOTO: Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg shake hands as they meet, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine April 20, 2023. Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo

KYIV (Reuters) - President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Friday he knew it would be "impossible" for Ukraine to join NATO while Russia was waging war on his country.

Zelenskiy has pressed for Ukrainian membership of the military alliance but allies are divided over how fast that should happen. Western governments are wary of any move that might take the alliance closer to war with Russia.