Ukraine may not join NATO if Russia guarantees the same level of security that the Atlantic Alliance gives to its allies, according to the Ukrainian foreign minister.

Dmytro Kuleba said this Thursday, his country is willing to discuss this issue, recalling that the Ukrainian constitution contemplates eventual membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). However, Kuleba admitted he is aware that this will not happen "in the blink of an eye" or even in the "near future."

"It is in our Constitution and it has been a consistent part of our policy to join NATO as a full member and to enjoy the security guarantees" that the Atlantic Alliance provides, the minister explained.

The official was speaking after a meeting with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, in southern Turkey, during which there was no progress on opening humanitarian corridors or approving a 24-hour ceasefire in the ongoing Russian military offensive in Ukraine.

Dmytro Kuleba also expressed willingness to discuss the possibility of agreeing on a "NATO-like guarantee system," provided it has the support of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, including Russia, and all neighboring countries.

The fact that it is established that NATO is not willing to "act collectively to stop the war and protect Ukraine's civilians from Russian aerial bombardment" raises the question of "how to ensure Ukraine's security until eventual NATO entry," the minister said.

"The war is happening now. Right now, it is our military that is ensuring our security and the people of Ukraine are sacrificing themselves to ensure security," Kuleba concluded.

This is the first meeting of this level since Russia invaded Ukraine. A step seen as a first diplomatic success.