The Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, and the Military Representatives of all 32 NATO member countries visited Ukraine.
The centrepiece of the visit was the first-ever meeting of the NATO–Ukraine Council at Military Committee level held on Ukrainian soil. The meeting was co-chaired by the Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Mykhailo Drapatyi, with the participation of the Military Representatives of all 32 NATO member countries. Discussions focused on the current battlefield situation, the protection of Ukrainian airspace, Ukraine’s military priorities and continued support from NATO member countries.
The Ukrainian side presented its assessment of battlefield developments and strategic approaches to the conduct of the war, and outlined key requirements for air defence and the development of long-range strike capabilities. The meeting featured active, substantive dialogue. NATO Military Representatives had the opportunity to discuss the operational situation, current challenges and priorities for further cooperation directly with Ukraine’s military leadership. Particular attention was paid to the practical experience gained by the Armed Forces of Ukraine during modern, full-scale warfare and the opportunities to draw on this experience to strengthen the Alliance’s defence capabilities.
“The bond between NATO and Ukraine is growing ever stronger,” the Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, emphasised during the visit. “NATO’s support for Ukraine continues to grow, and our unity is stronger than ever.”
In addition to the NATO–Ukraine Council meeting, the programme provided opportunities to learn about Ukraine’s experience in countering Russian aggression, the work of its air defence units, and the development of domestic defence production and military innovation.
Honouring the memory of Ukraine’s fallen defenders was an important part of the visit. NATO Military Committee representatives took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Wall of Remembrance for Those Who Fell for Ukraine. The cultural programme included visits to prominent historical and spiritual landmarks in the capital, including Saint Sophia Cathedral, the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra and Saint Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery. The visit concluded with a gathering at a veterans’ space featuring the Cultural Forces. During a symbolic ceremony, NATO Military Representatives jointly assembled a “shield of unity”, embodying the Alliance’s strength and cohesion. Each representative received a piece of the shield as a symbol of shared responsibility for security and a reminder of the importance of unity.
The visit took place against the backdrop of ongoing Russian attacks against Ukraine and demonstrated NATO member countries’ solidarity with Ukraine and their unwavering support for its defence efforts.
It also marked an important step in deepening practical military cooperation and reaffirmed Ukraine’s increasingly significant role both as a recipient of security assistance and as a partner whose unique combat experience, technological solutions and defence innovations offer substantial value for the development of the Alliance’s defence capabilities. Deeper military cooperation, exchanges of experience and enhanced interoperability remain key elements of Ukraine’s continued rapprochement with NATO. The visit built on the intensive political and military dialogue between Ukraine and NATO, including the historic visit to Ukraine by a delegation of Permanent Representatives of NATO member countries in June 2026.