IRIA News

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NATO Military Committee Chair Admiral Cavo Dragone visited Ukraine on his first official foreign visit after taking the post. Admiral Dragone met with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and reviewed the production of Ukraine’s long-range weapons during his two-day visit on February 7-8, 2025.

During his first day of the visit to Kyiv, Admiral Cavo Dragone toured a military hospital, where he met with Ukrainian soldiers wounded in combat. He also held discussions with the Chair of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk and the Minister of Foreign Affairs Andriy Sybiha.

On February 8, the NATO Military Committee Chair met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces General Oleksandr Syrsky, and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. The Head of NATO’s Representation in Ukraine Patrick Turner also accompanied Admiral Dragone, as he visited a Ukrainian weapons manufacturing facility to assess the country’s long-range weapons capabilities.

Key topics of the Ukraine visit included preparations for the upcoming Ramstein-format meeting and Ukraine’s defense requirements. President Zelenskyy emphasized that one of Ukraine’s primary objectives is implementing agreements from the NATO Summit in Washington, particularly concerning the strengthening of its air defense systems.

The NATO Military Committee Chair reaffirmed NATO’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations, highlighting that Ukraine is an “integral part” of the transatlantic security framework.

Admiral Cavo Dragone highlighted, “It is in the political and military interest of the Alliance to support Ukraine, not only now, but also in the future. You are fighting not only for your nation. You are fighting for your identity. NATO stands with you. Our support for your sovereignty and territorial integrity will remain unwavering… together, we can put Ukraine in the strongest possible position moving forward.”

Zelenskyy stressed that Russia is unwilling to end the war and that only a firm Ukrainian stance, coupled with sustained international pressure, can push the aggressor toward a just and lasting peace.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy thanked NATO for its continuous support for Ukraine and said, “Thank you very much for your first mission and decision to be in Ukraine. Thank you very much. This is a very strong signal for us from NATO and professionals.”

A significant focus was placed on the rapid deployment of the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) mission. President Zelenskyy underscored Ukraine’s expectations for tangible results from this initiative, particularly in enhancing coordination for military aid.

Admiral Dragone said, “These lessons will help shape our understanding of warfare. They will be woven into NATO strategy and policy and will bolster interoperability. Above all, they support Ukraine in winning the war and maintaining its sovereignty”. The Military Committee chair was deeply impressed by the determination and energy of the Ukrainian people, and emphasized that Ukraine’s courageous and resilient spirit remains unbreakable.

NATO Military Committee Chair Admiral Dragone and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy also discussed ongoing military support from NATO member states and potential direct investments in Ukraine’s domestic production of long-range drones, based on the Danish model. During their visit to a defense industry facility, they reviewed Ukraine’s long-range weapon manufacturing capabilities and engaged with workers on-site.

The Ukrainian president thanked the employees for their service and dedication, acknowledging their contribution to strengthening the nation’s military with domestically produced weapons. He also presented them with state honors.

Zelenskyy said, “Thank you for your work. It’s very gratifying to see that we have something to show, and it’s not theoretical – it’s your tangible result. A real result that helps us and is feared by the Russians, the enemies of our state. It’s a great pleasure to be here with our NATO colleagues. It’s truly rewarding when they see the high level of achievement Ukraine has reached during this war. The level of domestic production during wartime is exceptionally high.”