NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Chair of the NATO Military Committee Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone congratulated the Ukrainian people on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte reaffirmed the Alliance’s unwavering support for Ukraine and paid tribute to the courage and resilience of Ukrainians defending their freedom and independence.

“NATO stood with Ukraine from the beginning, and we stand with you today, and we will stand with you throughout the challenges ahead. Stay strong. I know you will,” the Secretary General said in a video message.

In his video address on behalf of the Chiefs of Defence of all 32 NATO Allies, Chair of the NATO Military Committee Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone paid special tribute to the soldiers, sailors and airmen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, stressing that their courage, skill and adaptability are “rewriting the art of modern warfare.”

“Many still describe Ukraine as a nation receiving support. We, your fellow servicemen and women, see something more: a nation that is teaching. In drones, in electronic warfare, in battlefield innovation, in sheer determination, Ukraine today is making the entire Euro-Atlantic community stronger,” he said.

Admiral Cavo Dragone reaffirmed NATO’s unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine, including through the NATO-Ukraine Joint Analysis, Training and Education Centre (JATEC), the NATO-Ukraine Council and other formats.

“NATO’s support is aimed at enabling Ukraine to shape its future from a position of strength and secure a just and lasting peace on its own terms, as a sovereign nation free to choose its own path,” Admiral Cavo Dragone stressed.