Viktor Yushchenko, the Ukrainian president, has called for his country's bid to join Nato to be speeded up, following the conflict between Russia and Georgia.

The call was made on Sunday in a speech marking the 17th anniversary of Ukraine's independence from the former Soviet Union.

"We must intensify our work to win membership in the European security system and strengthen the defence capabilities of our country," said Yushchenko.

"Anyone who cares about Ukraine must openly declare that entry into the Euro-Atlantic security system is the only way to protect the lives and ensure the well-being of our families, children and grandchildren."

Nato leaders decided at a summit in April against rapidly granting membership to Ukraine and Georgia, but the alliance said it would consider the prospect of taking in the ex-Soviet republic in the future.

Georgian offensive

Moscow has opposed the Western military alliance's expansion eastward, arguing that it is aimed at containing Russia.

Ukraine, which has a large ethnic Russian minority, has sided with Georgia in its confrontation with Russia over the breakaway region of South Ossetia.

Kiev watched with concern as Russia sent tanks and troops deep into Georgian territory in response to a Georgian offensive on August 7 to retake South Ossetia, whose separatist leadership is backed by Moscow.

Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, this month underscored the fact Nato's offer to Ukraine and Georgia to eventually join the alliance was still valid, despite the conflict in the Caucasus.