NATO military committee chair arrives in Kyiv

Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, Chair of NATO's Military Committee, visited Kyiv for discussions with Ukrainian officials on defense cooperation.

The visit was announced by Ukrainian parliament's Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk on the X (Twitter), where he also shared a photo with Admiral Cavo Dragone.

According to Stefanchuk, NATO reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ukraine. Key topics of discussion included:

• Air defense – Ukraine requires additional systems, missiles, and interceptors.
• Financial support – Kyiv expects allies to fulfill their commitments.
• NSATU – Ensuring effective coordination of NATO's Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine initiative.
• NATO membership – The alliance remains the only reliable security guarantee for Ukraine and Europe.
• Defense reforms – Ukraine continues aligning with NATO standards and improving procurement transparency.

Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone also met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Chair of NATO's Military Committee reaffirmed that the Alliance's support for Ukraine remains steadfast. He emphasized that Ukraine is already an integral part of the Euro-Atlantic defense and security architecture.

Foreign Minister Sybiha, in turn, briefed Admiral Cavo Dragone on the current battlefield situation and outlined the priority needs of Ukrainian forces to enhance their capabilities. These include:

• Air defense systems
• Combat aviation
• Long-range missiles
• Artillery ammunition
• Investments in Ukrainian weapons production, particularly in drones and advanced military technologies.

Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha emphasized that by strengthening Ukraine, NATO allies are also strengthening their own security. He stressed that Ukraine's security is inseparable from that of the Euro-Atlantic region and that the outcome of the war will shape the future of the Alliance.

"The battlefield in Ukraine is where the future of Euro-Atlantic security is being decided. That is why strong decisions by our allies are needed now. We have clear strategies for achieving peace through strength—by increasing economic and military pressure on Russia and further reinforcing Ukraine," Sybiha stated.

As a reminder, President Volodymyr Zelensky has reiterated that NATO membership remains a cornerstone of Ukraine's long-term security. He also highlighted that Ukraine's 800,000-strong army would significantly bolster the Alliance—particularly in the event that US President Donald Trump moves to scale back America's military presence abroad.