Sybiha called NATO Military Committee visit a response to Russian threats
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that the NATO Military Committee's visit to Kyiv was a clear response to Russia's attempts to intimidate foreign diplomats and force them to leave the Ukrainian capital. Despite intensifying Russian attacks, representatives from all Alliance countries arrived in Ukraine to discuss military cooperation.
The head of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry reported this on October 8 on social media platform X.
According to Sybiha, Russia is trying to achieve international isolation of Kyiv through threats and strikes on the Ukrainian capital. However, the visit of NATO's highest military body demonstrated that allies continue to support Ukraine.
Military representatives from all NATO countries arrived in Kyiv
The official visit of the NATO Military Committee took place on October 6. The delegation was led by Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, Chairman of the Committee.
It included military representatives from all 32 member states of the North Atlantic Alliance.
According to NATO, this was the first full-format visit of the Military Committee to Ukraine in eight years.
Alliance representatives held talks with Ukrainian military leadership, including Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Mykhailo Drapatyi.
During the meetings, they discussed Ukraine's military priorities, the situation on the battlefield, development of defense capabilities, and the use of Ukrainian experience in modern warfare to enhance NATO countries' readiness.
Special attention was paid to air defense, the use of drones, and ground robotic systems.
NATO emphasized unwavering support for Ukraine
Chairman of the NATO Military Committee Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone stated that the delegation's arrival in Kyiv demonstrates the unity of allies and their readiness to continue cooperation with Ukraine.
According to the admiral, the bond between NATO and Ukraine remains strong despite Russian aggression and Moscow's hybrid actions against Alliance states.
He also emphasized that Ukrainian military personnel have gained unique experience in countering modern threats, which is of practical value for the defense of NATO countries.
During their stay in the capital, foreign representatives visited air defense facilities, units of unmanned systems, and ground robotic complexes.
The delegation also honored the memory of fallen Ukrainian defenders at the Wall of Remembrance near St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery.
Russia attempts to increase pressure on foreign missions
Sybiha's statement came amid intensified Russian strikes on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities.
In recent weeks, Russian forces have repeatedly attacked the capital's energy, transport, and civilian infrastructure.
In addition, Russian authorities have publicly warned foreign citizens about the danger of staying in Kyiv due to increased hostilities.
The Ukrainian side views such statements as attempts to pressure foreign partners and reduce diplomatic presence in the capital.
Earlier, the embassies of Germany, Italy, Spain, and Sweden announced their intention to continue working in Kyiv despite Russian threats.
Against this backdrop, the visit by military representatives from all NATO countries holds not only practical but also diplomatic significance.
At the same time, the visit does not change Ukraine's official status in relations with the Alliance or impose new collective defense obligations.
Ukraine expects further strengthening of defense support
The NATO Military Committee is the Alliance's highest military authority. It advises the North Atlantic Council on defense policy, military strategy, and operational planning.
It consists of the senior military representatives of member states, and its work is chaired by the Chairman.
During the current visit, the parties discussed further areas of cooperation, including countering Russian air attacks and the use of modern drone technologies.
For Ukraine, one of the main priorities remains obtaining additional air defense assets, ammunition, and equipment for protecting critical infrastructure.
The Military Committee's visit took place at a time when Kyiv has intensified negotiations with partners on strengthening air defense ahead of winter.
Based on materials from: Andrii Sybiha, X, NATO, General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
