NATO’s Military Committee visited Kyiv in full for the first time in eight years, as a 32-member delegation of top military officials from alliance countries met with Ukraine’s military leadership to discuss frontline developments, defense priorities, and ongoing support for Ukraine. The visit was intended to send a strong signal that NATO-Ukraine cooperation is continuing despite the war and security threats facing the country.
NATO returns to Kyiv after eight years
The Military Committee delegation arrived in the Ukrainian capital on October 6. All 32 chiefs of defence from member states, including committee chairman Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, were present for the visit.
This was the committee’s first official visit to Kyiv since 2018. Admiral Dragone commented that the trip also fulfilled his promise made to Ukraine’s chief of defence Mykhailo Drapatyi, whom he met in August.
The Military Committee is NATO’s highest military authority, gathering the chiefs of defence from member countries or their designated representatives to provide military advice to the alliance’s leadership.
Frontline situation tops the agenda
During talks in Kyiv, NATO officials and Ukraine’s military command discussed current defense priorities, lessons from the battlefield, and insights that could help NATO countries prepare for current and future security threats.
The delegation also explored how the alliance can continue to support Ukraine. NATO’s military representatives visited facilities linked to air defense, drone warfare, and unmanned ground systems, gaining direct experience with technologies and operational methods employed by the Ukrainian armed forces.
These talks form part of NATO’s ongoing cooperation with Ukraine—still a partner nation, though not a member state. Ukrainian officials continue to receive military support from alliance countries.
Dragone: NATO-Ukraine relations are growing stronger
NATO Military Committee Chairman Giuseppe Cavo Dragone stressed during the visit that the alliance wants to send a clear signal of continued cooperation with Ukraine.
He stated that NATO stands with Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression and supports the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Dragone also rejected the idea that hybrid threats targeting NATO states could split the alliance.
NATO says areas of cooperation also include lessons from new forms of warfare that can help member states improve their readiness.
Focus on drones and air defense
Ukraine’s battlefield has become a crucial source of experience in the use of unmanned systems, electronic warfare, and other advanced technologies. Thus, a key part of the visit involved presentations on Ukraine’s experience in drone warfare and air defense.
For NATO, these lessons are vital in developing its own defensive capabilities. In recent months, the alliance has increasingly emphasized readiness, new technologies, and rapid adaptation to evolving security challenges.
Allies also discussed further military and security support for Ukraine within the broader “coalition of the willing.” Air defense, training of Ukrainian soldiers, and long-term security guarantees remain prominent topics.
NATO responds to new security threats
The visit comes as NATO warns of rising risks associated with Russian activities, airspace violations, drones, and hybrid operations.
Just in September, the Military Committee addressed strengthening NATO’s collective deterrence and defense, technological innovation, and continued support for Ukraine.
For NATO, Kyiv is not only a focal point because of the ongoing conflict—Ukraine’s military experience is increasingly informing how alliance members prepare for potential future conflicts.
More about Ukraine’s strategic direction and relations with NATO can be read in the article “Ukraine has anchored its EU and NATO orientation in the constitution. In 2026, it is already negotiating EU membership.”
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This article was translated from the original Slovak version with the assistance of AI.
