NATO Admiral assesses Ukrainian army: Have they met the standards?
Photo: Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone (president.gov.ua)
The Ukrainian army does not currently fully meet all NATO requirements. But these standards can also be changed based on the experience of the Russian-Ukrainian war, as the Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, says in an interview with RBC-Ukraine.
According to him, Ukraine demonstrated extraordinary resilience and adaptability during the war, effectively integrating weapons, tactics, and training following NATO standards.
“While it may not yet fully meet NATO’s technical and structural standards, its battlefield performance, innovation, and leadership make it a highly capable force - one that NATO can work with closely in the future,” he said.
Dragone said that during his visit to Ukraine this year, he personally saw the dedication of the Ukrainian military.
“During my visit to Ukraine earlier this year, I saw this for myself, including how dedicated your Armed Forces are. They are inspirational, highly professional, determined, and hard-working. They are fighting daily for your way of life and your nation. They are also innovating on the field as this war combines both modern and traditional warfare,” he said.
Dragone did not rule out that the Alliance might need to adapt NATO standards in the future "to keep pace with evolving threats."
He reminded that since the 1990s, NATO and Ukraine have developed a strong partnership. The Ukrainian military has participated in NATO operations and missions, and has held joint exercises with the Allies, which has helped to improve interoperability with the Alliance's forces.
Since 2016, NATO has been supporting Ukraine through the Comprehensive Assistance Package and other initiatives, such as the Military Committee Ukraine Work Plan. These measures are aimed at strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities and implementing reforms in line with NATO standards, Euro-Atlantic principles, and best international practices.
Colonel Vadym Sukharevskyi, Commander of the Unmanned Systems Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, said earlier that NATO forces were not ready for modern warfare with the use of drones.
