Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky says joining the Nato alliance is a guarantee of security for his country - and that he will not compromise on this.
He tells the BBC: "It's not an ambition. It's our life."
Russia is opposed to Ukraine ever joining and wants guarantees that this will not happen.
The US and Western allies are warning Russian forces could launch military action any day - but the Kremlin has repeatedly said there are no such plans and claims some units have been withdrawn in recent days.
The world is watching for proof of Russian de-escalation - as a senior US official says contrary to this claim, a further 7,000 troops have arrived at Ukraine's borders.
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen says the EU will remain vigilant until Moscow's words are reflected on the ground.
UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, who is travelling to Ukraine, says the West should not be fooled by Russia's claims.
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