President Volodymyr Zelensky met with NATO Military Committee Chairman Giuseppe Cavo Dragone during the official’s first international visit. The discussion covered Ukraine’s defense needs and preparations for the next meeting in the “Ramstein” format. As part of the visit, Zelensky also gave the NATO representative a tour of a defense industry facility to showcase its operations.
“We are grateful to NATO for its support of Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Thank you for your first mission and the decision to be here in Ukraine,” said Volodymyr Zelensky. “We truly appreciate it. This is a strong signal from NATO and its professionals for us.”
During the meeting, Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that implementing the agreements from the NATO summit in Washington regarding the strengthening of Ukraine’s air defense remains a key priority. He noted that the Russian leader has no intention of ending the war, and only Ukraine’s strong position, combined with pressure on the aggressor state, can force Russia into establishing a just and lasting peace.
As part of the visit, discussions also covered the operational launch of the NSATU mission, “Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine.” President Zelensky stated that Ukraine expects tangible results from the mission, particularly improved coordination in military aid delivery. In response, the Chairman of NATO’s Military Committee reaffirmed the Alliance’s commitment, emphasizing that Ukraine is an integral part of the transatlantic defense framework.
“The message I want to convey not only to you but to everyone is that NATO stands with you,” said Giuseppe Cavo Dragone. “We are fully committed to fulfilling our obligations and upholding the values and principles we share.”
The meeting also covered continued military assistance from NATO member states and direct investments in domestic long-range drone production, following the Danish model. Alongside Ukraine’s Minister for Strategic Industries, Herman Smetanin, the officials visited a defense industry facility, where they were briefed on production capabilities and the specifications of Ukraine’s long-range weaponry.
Taking the opportunity, Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the facility’s employees for their service to the country and their work in strengthening the military.
“Thank you for your work. It’s great to have something to showcase—not just theoretical achievements, but real results. Results that help us and that Russia, the enemy of our state, truly fears,” the president stated. “It’s also important that our NATO colleagues are here with us. It’s valuable for them to see the high level of success Ukraine has achieved during wartime. The quality of domestic production under these conditions is exceptionally high.”
“We see daily reports of strikes on enemy oil refineries, weapons factories, and other targets deep behind enemy lines. This is the result of the dedicated, consistent work of our weapons manufacturers,” noted Herman Smetanin. “For me, it is crucial that our partners recognize the capability and ingenuity of Ukraine’s defense industry—and understand how best to support and strengthen us.”
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