French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday called on the West to offer Ukraine "tangible and credible" security guarantees as it battles Russia's invasion.
ADVERTISEMENTStressing that Ukraine "is today protecting Europe", Macron said in Bratislava that it is in the West's interest that Kyiv have security assurances from NATO.
"That is why I'm in favour, and this will be the subject of collective talks in the following weeks... to offer tangible and credible security guarantees to Ukraine."
He said various NATO members could provide these guarantees for the time being as Ukraine waits to join the alliance.
Macron added: "We have to build something between the security provided to Israel and full-fledged membership."
The French head of state is on a visit to Slovakia, where he delivered a speech at an event organised by the international affairs think tank Globsec.
The event, focusing on regional security issues, comes in the run-up to the NATO summit in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius on 11-12 July.
Macron recalled that he once called the Western defence alliance "brain dead" but said Russia's invasion last year "had jolted NATO awake".
"We need to help Ukraine today with all means to carry out an effective counter-offensive" against Russian forces, Macron said.
"It's what we are currently doing. We have to intensify our efforts because what will happen in the next few months offers a chance even for... a lasting peace."
Macron also called on EU nations to buy European arms and acquire in-depth strike capabilities.
"It is up to us Europeans to in the future have our own ability to defend ourselves," he said.
"A Europe of defence, a European pillar within NATO, is indispensable. It's the only way to be credible... in the long-term," he said.
Macron will next visit Moldova on Thursday where he will meet with fellow European leaders, including from outside the European Union.