Strong Armed Forces of Ukraine, whose development requires allies’ support, are the foundation of future security guarantees for our state. The Ukrainian army will also become an effective tool for strengthening the security of the entire Euro-Atlantic region, as Europe’s security is inextricably linked to Ukraine’s security.
This was stated by Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Taras Kachka during his speech at the NATO–Ukraine Council meeting at the level of permanent representatives, held at NATO Headquarters in Brussels on 11 November.
In his address, the Deputy Prime Minister informed allies about the current security situation in Ukraine, including battlefield developments, intensified russian attacks on critical energy infrastructure, and outlined Ukraine’s key defence needs – arms supplies and expansion of defence production. Particular attention was paid to Ukraine’s reform agenda and progress achieved.
Taras Kachka emphasised the importance of increasing pressure on russia, as, despite Ukraine’s repeated demonstrations of readiness for peaceful settlement, russia’s actions show it is not interested in peace. That is why it is crucial to intensify pressure on russia – including through sanctions – and to ensure strategic and stable military and financial support for Ukraine as part of this pressure.
Separately, Taras Kachka highlighted the situation in the energy sector, noting that russia is waging a targeted campaign against Ukraine’s energy system. In the past week alone, dozens of ballistic missiles were launched at energy facilities. russia is employing new tactics, including attacks on gas storage sites. russia’s goal remains unchanged – to break the Ukrainian people, create a humanitarian catastrophe by depriving them of light, water, and heat in winter, and attempt to divide Ukrainian society.
Despite this, according to the Deputy Prime Minister, Ukraine continues its reform process, recognising its importance for progress on European and Euro-Atlantic tracks. He informed allies about achievements in anti-corruption policy, judicial reform, and law enforcement restructuring, and highly appreciated partners’ assistance in implementing democratic transformations. Taras Kachka also noted that Ukraine expects allies’ recommendations for the adapted Annual National Programme for 2026.
He further stressed that Ukraine is actively working to enhance interoperability with NATO and doing everything possible to deepen practical cooperation with the Alliance.
The Deputy Prime Minister thanked allies for supporting the PURL initiative, which has proven effective and become an example of transatlantic unity.
Separately, he emphasised that developing the defence-industrial complex is one of Ukraine’s key priorities. Ukraine has advanced experience and cutting-edge technologies in weapons development, which it is ready to share with allies. That is why we urge partners to join the Build in Ukraine and Build with Ukraine programmes and expand joint defence production.
He also thanked the ambassadors of NATO member states who visited Ukraine last week, stressing the importance of such visits for a better understanding by partners of the real situation, challenges, and urgent needs of Ukraine.
During his visit to NATO Headquarters, the Deputy Prime Minister held several meetings with Alliance leadership, including NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Chief of Staff of the Office of the NATO Secretary General Geoffrey van Leeuwen, Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy Boris Ruge, Assistant Secretary General for Defence Industry, Innovation and Armaments Tarja Jaakkola, Assistant Secretary General for Defence Policy and Planning Zamir Nicholas Catsaras, and permanent representatives of several NATO member states.
Source: Service of the Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine