Ukraine will get "a clear message, a positive message" on Nato membership, the head of the alliance Jens Stoltenberg says adding that it (Ukraine) cannot join while the war against Russia continues, news BBC on Tuesday.

Stoltenberg made these remarks while he was speaking as Nato`s annual summit takes place in Vilnius, Lithuania.

On the other hand, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the head of the alliance`s annual summit in Vilnius says Ukraine’s "rightful place" is in Nato.

Speaking on the plane to Lithuania, Sunak said it was important that the commitment of Ukraine eventually joining Nato is reaffirmed and there’s "demonstrable progress" towards that goal.

But Sunak also said it’s not a question for now, while there’s a conflict with Russia ongoing.

And he said security guarantees for Ukraine were important in sending a strong deterrent message to Russia that Putin "can’t wait people out".

"We are with Ukraine for as long as it takes. Everyone is in it for the long haul," he said.

Membership can take decades to achieve, but Ukraine wants a much quicker timeline while Nato offers collective security, as countries are obliged to defend fellow members that come under attack.