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Although the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) do not yet fully meet all NATO standards in terms of technology and structure, their combat successes, innovation, and quality leadership make them a capable force with which the Alliance could cooperate more closely in the future.
According to Ukrinform, this was stated by Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, in an interview with RBC-Ukraine.
He recalled that since the 1990s, NATO and Ukraine have developed a strong partnership. Ukrainian forces have participated in NATO operations and missions and have conducted joint exercises with Allies, improving interoperability with the Alliance’s forces.
Dragone also noted that support through the Comprehensive Assistance Package and other initiatives, such as the Military Committee Ukraine Work Plan, aims to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities and implement reforms based on NATO standards.
“During the conflict, Ukraine has demonstrated resilience and adaptability, proving it can integrate NATO weapons, tactics, and training effectively. While it may not yet fully meet NATO’s technical and structural standards, its battlefield performance, innovation, and leadership make it a highly capable force – one that NATO can work with closely in the future,” said Dragone.
He added that Ukrainian forces are showing significant innovation on the battlefield, suggesting that the Alliance may need to adapt its own standards moving forward.
As previously reported, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte previously stated that at the Washington summit, Allies confirmed the irreversibility of Ukraine’s path toward NATO membership. However, they clarified that membership should not be part of a peace deal. The U.S. currently believes that Ukraine should not receive NATO membership as part of a peace agreement, although this stance could change.
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