The first conversation between the two military leaders comes as Kyiv seeks faster deliveries and prepares to share hard-earned battlefield lessons.
Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, Chair of NATO’s Military Committee, spoke for the first time with Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Mykhailo Drapatyi. During the conversation, the Alliance representative assured him that military support for Ukraine would continue.
During our conversation, I once again reaffirmed NATO’s continued military support as Ukraine courageously defends its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
– Giuseppe Cavo Dragone
Giuseppe Cavo Dragone emphasized that NATO allies in Europe and North America are increasing defense production. This is intended to help speed up deliveries of the necessary equipment both to the armed forces of Alliance member states and to Ukraine.
Ukraine’s security is our security, and we will continue to support Ukraine in helping it achieve a just and lasting peace.
– Giuseppe Cavo Dragone
Drapatyi spoke about the needs of Ukraine’s Defense Forces
Mykhailo Drapatyi said that air defense was one of the main topics of the talks. The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine also informed Giuseppe Cavo Dragone about the situation at the front and the current priorities of Ukraine’s Defense Forces.
Among these priorities, Mykhailo Drapatyi named long-range strikes, the use of flexible infantry tactics, and the automation of the front line. He stressed that Ukraine not only receives assistance from its partners but also shares its experience of modern warfare.
Ukraine does not merely receive support. We share combat experience that no one else has today, and it contributes to the security of the entire Alliance. Thank you to our allies. We are doing this work together.
– Mykhailo Drapatyi
NATO Military Committee’s visit to Ukraine
According to Mykhailo Drapatyi, the NATO Military Committee is expected to visit Ukraine in October. This will be the first such visit in the past eight years.
At the beginning of July, Ukraine was officially recognized by NATO for the first time as a country contributing to transatlantic security. The allies also committed to providing Kyiv with €70 billion in military aid and ensuring at least an equivalent level of support in 2027.