On February 15, the second meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council at the level of Defence Ministers took place at NATO Headquarters. Minister of Defence of Ukraine, Rustem Umerov, joined the meeting online via a secure channel.

The Minister briefed the Council on the current security situation in Ukraine, highlighting that the new leadership of the Armed Forces is preparing a detailed action plan for 2024. He emphasized the ongoing missile attacks from Russia and the importance of providing Ukraine with air defence systems.

Additionally, the Minister outlined the priorities for reforming the Ministry of Defence.

He also reminded NATO member states of two tragic anniversaries for Ukraine coming next week - the 10-year mark since the beginning of the war and occupation of Crimea, and the 2-year mark since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

He underscored Ukraine's battlefield experience and the lessons learned during the war, emphasizing the importance of establishing the NATO-Ukraine Joint Analysis, Training and Education Centre (JATEC) in the future.

"The JATEC is crucial for developing new technology-driven approaches to prepare for future threats. It will support the development of the Future Forces concept that we are implementing for the Ukrainian Armed Forces," the Minister stated.

Minister Umerov highlighted the Comprehensive Assistance Package as an important support tool, urging NATO nations to continue providing financing to the CAP Trust fund to focus on building long-term defence capability and a resilient defence industrial base.

He emphasized Ukraine's commitment to increasing the production of FPV drones, various types of UAVs, Electronic Warfare systems, ammunition, and other supplies and technologies to achieve technological and strategic advantage.

"The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine is committed to creating mechanisms that will bring Allied and Ukrainian defence industry partners closer together. We are ready for joint ventures and scaling up production in the defence sector. Ukraine is fully committed to engaging with NATO on all levels to ensure our mutual long-term security," said Minister Umerov.

The Minister also stressed that the Washington Summit should become a platform for new decisive steps that will bring Ukraine closer to NATO membership.

The Allies reiterated the need to ensure that all necessary assistance to Ukraine is provided in a sustainable and timely manner and emphasized the importance of strengthening the capabilities of NATO member states' defence industries.

Several states announced their readiness to provide Ukraine with security assurances on a bilateral basis soon.

Following the meeting, the Defence Ministers of the NATO-Ukraine Council made a political decision to endorse the establishment of the NATO-Ukraine Joint Analysis, Training and Education Centre.