Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Olha Stefanishyna met with Admiral Rob Bauer, Chair of the NATO Military Committee, during the first visit of NATO military officials to Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale invasion.

The parties discussed strengthening the Alliance’s role in supporting and cooperating with Ukraine, in particular in developing its military capabilities, increasing defence production, and preparing practical outcomes for the upcoming summit in Washington in terms of further support for Ukraine.

“When Kyiv region was temporarily occupied, all the democratic European countries stood up and said: we will be with you as long as it takes and you will become a member of the European Union. That was very important at a time when we did not understand whether we would survive at all. The whole of Europe stood up and said that it was with us and that we would stand. And that is the signal we need to hear at the forthcoming summit. It is the signal the Russians need to hear: NATO has a clear agenda and will stand by Ukraine,” said Olha Stefanishyna.

She called for a frank and open dialogue at all levels to develop a possible format for Ukraine’s next steps towards NATO membership. The official thanked her NATO counterparts for their strong, consistent support for Ukraine in its fight against the enemy.

The Deputy Prime Minister briefed on the current situation in Ukraine, particularly in the context of the recent large-scale Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure. She stressed the critical importance of mobilising allied support, including military and financial, to build Ukraine's resilience.

“It is now more important than ever to mobilise all the resources necessary to not only continue the fight, but to ultimately win this war. Above all, supporting Ukraine is an investment in the security of NATO countries themselves,” the official stressed.

Speaking about the accumulation of support, Olha Stefanishyna informed about the results of her recent visit to Brussels, in particular in terms of mobilising additional EUR 5 billion in military assistance for Ukraine under the European Peace Facility, and discussions on the importance of building up the EU’s defence and industrial capabilities, with Ukraine as part of this process.

Olha Stefanishyna also briefed on the progress of the project to develop a roadmap for Ukraine’s transition to full interoperability with NATO and stressed its long-term importance.