NATO Military Leadership Gathered in Kyiv After an Eight-Year Break

The NATO Military Committee made its first official visit to Kyiv in eight years. Military representatives of all 32 member states of the Alliance arrived in Ukraine, led by the Chair of the Committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone.

The visit took place on October 6. NATO representatives held talks with the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Mykhailo Drapatyi, and his staff, receiving an up-to-date assessment of the battlefield situation and discussing Ukraine's military needs. Cavo Dragone himself called the trip a demonstration of the Alliance's continued support for Kyiv.

According to the Chair of the NATO Military Committee, allies are also interested in Ukrainian combat experience, which they can use to prepare for current and future threats. NATO has repeatedly stressed the need for faster deployment of new defense technologies, enhanced readiness of forces, and air and missile defense systems.

Cavo Dragone noted that the bond between NATO and Ukraine continues to strengthen, and the Alliance's support for Kyiv is growing. He also addressed Russia separately regarding sabotage, cyberattacks, and violations of NATO countries' airspace.

"To those who think that acts of sabotage, cyberattacks, and violations of airspace can undermine our support and resolve, I say: you will fail", stated the admiral.

According to him, allies will continue to improve response tools and strengthen NATO's deterrence and defense system. Cavo Dragone emphasized that the Alliance holds Russia responsible for dangerous hybrid actions against member states.

During their stay in Kyiv, representatives of all 32 NATO countries also paid tribute to Ukrainian soldiers at the Wall of Remembrance for those who died for Ukraine.

The current visit was a continuation of a series of contacts between Ukraine and the Alliance leadership. In June, the North Atlantic Council — NATO's political governing body — visited Kyiv. At that time, for the first time, a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council was held in Ukraine with the participation of representatives of all 32 member states.

The Military Committee is NATO's highest military authority and provides military advice to the Alliance's political leadership. It is chaired by Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, who is the principal military advisor to the NATO Secretary General.

Based on materials from: speech by NATO Military Committee Chair Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, European Pravda, NATO