The North Atlantic Council met with members of the Defence Reform Advisory Board of Ukraine on Tuesday (4 February 2020) to exchange views on Ukraine’s reform agenda and current priorities. Established in 2016, the Board provides expertise and recommendations on defence reforms to Ukraine’s leadership. 

NATO Allies welcomed the Board’s efforts to support Ukraine in implementing key reforms along Euro-Atlantic principles, and ensuring these are sustainable. In particular, Allies welcomed efforts to advance civilian control and democratic oversight over the security and defence sector, improve the system of command and control of the Armed Forces, and tackle corruption. Chairing the Council, NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană, also thanked the Board for its close cooperation with the NATO Representation in Ukraine.

Since 2014, NATO has strengthened its support to Ukraine, with new Trust Funds, more advisors and enhanced capacity building programmes. The Alliance continues to provide strategic advice on Ukraine’s security and defence sector reforms, in line with the goals of the 2018 Law on National Security.