NATO appoints chief rep in Ukraine

Former NATO's assistant secretary general for defense policy and planning Patrick Turner has been appointed as NATO's principal representative in Ukraine, beginning his tenure in Kyiv from September 2024.

With a background in various state positions in the UK, Turner will play a crucial role in facilitating NATO's engagement with Ukrainian authorities, coordinating alliance activities in Ukraine, and offering assessments and strategic counsel on the country's situation, Caliber.Az reports citing the Russian media.

His previous tenure included significant military and political responsibilities within NATO from 2018 to 2022.

Ukraine has been a NATO partner since the early 1990s, participating in various programmes under the NATO-Ukraine Commission. This partnership was formalised in 1997 with the signing of the NATO-Ukraine Charter on a Distinctive Partnership.

Ukraine has contributed troops to NATO-led operations and missions, including in Kosovo and Afghanistan. NATO has provided support to Ukraine through training missions, defence reforms, and military equipment assistance.

Since 2017, NATO and Ukraine have enhanced their cooperation, focusing on defence sector reforms, military capacity building, and strengthening cybersecurity capabilities.

Ukraine has developed Annual National Programs (ANPs) in cooperation with NATO to outline its reform goals and progress towards Euro-Atlantic integration.