Volodymyr Zelensky said that his country needed security guarantees from Nato and more weapons to defend itself before any talks with Russia.

Ukraine’s president made the comments after meeting Kaja Kallas, the EU’s new head of diplomacy, and Antonio Costa, freshly appointed president of the European Council, who were visiting Kyiv as a show of support on their first day in office.

“An invitation for Ukraine to join Nato is a necessary thing for our survival,” Mr Zelensky said at a press conference with Mr Costa.

It comes after Mr Zelenksy appeared to shift his position dramatically on Friday by accepting that Ukraine may have to give up some territory “temporarily” to end the war. He said the occupied land could be negotiated back in the future “diplomatically”.

Ukraine faces a tough winter ahead, with Russia unleashing devastating barrages against its power grid and Kyiv’s fatigued forces losing ground on the frontline.