First-ever NATO-Ukraine Council at chiefs of defense level announced: Date revealed
Illustrative photo (Photo: Getty Images)
Ukraine-NATO Council will, for the first time since its inception, be held at the level of chiefs of staff. This will take place in January 2024 as part of the Alliance's Military Committee meeting, reports NATO's press service.
The meeting of the Military Committee - the highest military body of NATO - is scheduled for January 17-18. Chiefs of staff from allied countries will participate, along with their Swedish counterpart. The meeting will be chaired by Admiral Rob Bauer, the Chairman of the Military Committee.
During the first day, the chiefs of staff plan to hold a series of meetings to discuss defense industry matters, operational compatibility, a roadmap for adapting to current and future threats, as well as air and missile defense.
Additionally, participants will provide further guidance and recommendations regarding military deterrence and NATO's defense priorities.
"The last session of the first day the Chiefs of Defence will meet for the first time in a NATO-Ukraine Council format. They will discuss Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the situation on the ground, and NATO and Allied continued support to Ukraine," clarified the Alliance.
On the second day, participants of the meeting will meet with counterparts from Australia, Austria, Ireland, New Zealand, Switzerland, Japan, and Korea.
NATO-Ukraine Council
The NATO-Ukraine Council serves as a forum for consultations between Ukraine and member countries of the North Atlantic Alliance at various levels. Key discussion topics in such meetings revolve around security matters, particularly Russia's war against Ukraine.
The NATO-Ukraine Council has previously convened at the level of foreign ministers. The last meeting occurred on November 29, during which Ukraine received recommendations regarding its accession to the Alliance.
