This week, after an eight-year hiatus, the NATO Military Committee arrived in Kyiv. At the invitation of the Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Mykhailo Drapaty, 32 military representatives from Alliance member states came to familiarize themselves with the latest information on the front-line situation.
The delegation was led by the Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone. In an interview with Ukrinform, he noted that Russia’s position is deteriorating, while the Kremlin’s hybrid activities, conversely, enhance support for Ukraine among allies.
Among other things, Cavo Dragone talked about financing Ukraine’s air defense and assistance in combating Russian Shahed missiles.
DON’T RAISE ALARM OVER MILITARY EXERCISES IN THE BALTICS
– Glad to welcome you to Kyiv. Admiral, we meet at a time when Putin is intensifying belligerent rhetoric against Ukraine and its allies. Last week at the Valdai Forum, he declared readiness to use any weapon in the event of a threat. How do you assess all this?
– I almost want to say that NATO is also ready to use all weapons, but no, we are a defensive alliance.
I think this situation is caused by some misunderstanding related to exercises in the Baltic Sea. We conduct it as usual, just as they do in Belarus – sometimes near NATO borders. It is simply part of our preparation. We pose no threat to anyone. This is our usual practice, and there is no need to raise alarm.
– Russia not only talks but also acts against NATO allies in Europe. It resorts to arson of military facilities, attempts on individuals, and deploys drones. European capitals see this as hybrid threats. How do you assess them, Admiral?
– Yes, these are indeed hybrid threats.
First and foremost, NATO is a defensive alliance, and it seeks to clearly establish the source of the threat. We must be sure of this.
Of course, we are taking certain countermeasures – acting to counter these threats and hybrid activities. For instance, we are strengthening border defenses and increasing cyber capabilities. These are well-known measures, but there are also non-public ones that we take specifically for protection. I emphasize, specifically for the protection of the Alliance.
– What specific actions by Russia could compel NATO to respond actively? And are you prepared for Moscow’s provocations under a “false flag”?
– “False flag” operations require clear identification of the perpetrator. We must respond to them measuredly – first of all by providing an adequate response that does not lead to escalation. Let me give you an example:
how many times have you seen Alliance drones violate Russian airspace?
NATO is about defense. We are committed to preventing escalation. It benefits no one. We simply respond to such actions.
But a direct attack is a matter of Article 5. It’s quite simple here.
PURL – NATO’S FASTEST TOOL FOR UKRAINE
– Russian threats do not align with the situation on the Ukrainian front, which is almost stagnant. In some areas, Ukraine is even effectively counterattacking and reclaiming territories. How can Putin be persuaded to abandon threats and begin negotiations? And how do you think the situation will develop in the coming months?
– First, this can be achieved through signals like those we are sending. Every time a hybrid attack occurs on our territory, we respond. For example, when signal missiles were fired at helicopters of one of the countries, the immediate reaction was increased investment in Ukraine’s defense.
We continue to convey the message that no hybrid action will achieve its goal – to split the Alliance or weaken our commitment to supporting Ukraine.
On the contrary, it only strengthens our support and reinforces our defense systems. This is our clear and decisive signal.
There are also sanctions properly applied. From a military perspective, Ukraine’s continuous strikes against enemy rears inflict substantial damage on the Russian economy.
– Regarding Russian attacks deep into Ukrainian territory. Unfortunately, Russia has launched a campaign against our critical infrastructure. President Zelensky stated that Putin has 600 missiles for this. What level of NATO support can we expect through the PURL mechanism?
– The PURL mechanism is working. This is the fastest tool, operational since July 2025. It is currently functioning very efficiently and promptly. Ukraine receives what it needs according to its requests and priorities in the shortest timeframe.
But PURL is not the only mechanism. The Alliance decided to allocate $70 billion to Ukraine this year and the same amount in 2027. Within the framework of PURL alone, systems and weapons worth about $10 billion have already been transferred to Ukraine. So, we have $70 billion in 2026 and 2027. These are substantial funds, and we are ready to scale up efforts to provide Ukraine with even greater support.
– So the numbers indicate that Ukraine’s partners are not tired of supporting it?
– No, they are increasing it. They are motivated. We believe that the allies will succeed. And thanks to your actions on the battlefield, deep strikes into Russia, and Ukraine’s success in stabilizing the front line, the aggressor is not gaining new territories. Russia’s position is even worsening as it loses territories to Ukraine.
The pace needs to be maintained, and I believe this will force Putin to come to the negotiating table. Whenever that happens – I hope soon – I will be the first to applaud Putin.
SOME ALLIES ARE ALREADY SUPPLYING AMMUNITION AGAINST ROCKET “SHAHEDS”
– There is another Russian threat to the civilian population of Ukraine. I’m talking about rocket drones that the Russians are directing at bridges, business centers. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Mr. Sybiha stated that we are using F-16 fighters equipped with 20-mm guns. Can we count on NATO support regarding these rounds and assistance with rocket interceptors?
– We are working on this. Last week, I met with the new commander of NSATU. He explained to me how effective and inexpensive the 20-mm ammunition is.
I have already reached out to everyone with a request to determine how much can be immediately transferred to Ukraine. Some countries are already providing them. The process is moving. I think new shipments are ahead.
I will continue to insist on accelerating them, as this caliber is cheap and effective.
– Admiral, thank you for supporting Ukraine and for this interview.
– Glory to Ukraine!
– Glory to the heroes!
Photo: Danylo Antoniuk
Video: Army TV
