NATO says Ukraine has become “security provider,” not just aid recipient

Ukraine has moved from being a recipient of military assistance to becoming a security provider for NATO countries, a senior NATO military official, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, has stated.

In an interview with RBC-Ukraine, the Chair of NATO’s Military Committee said Ukrainian servicemen are regularly involved in NATO exercises, where they act as a designated opposing force — a “red team” — particularly in scenarios focused on countering unmanned aerial systems.

“Sometimes they (Ukrainian servicemen — ed.) act as a ‘red team’ (a designated adversary) in exercises on counter-drone warfare. And I must say, we were surprised, because they proved to be a very serious ‘adversary’,” he emphasised.

Dragone stressed that the participation of Ukrainian forces significantly strengthens NATO’s own defence capabilities, especially in counter-drone operations.

Through the Joint Analysis, Training and Education Centre (JATEC), Ukraine shares practical combat experience gained in real battlefield conditions with its allies.

“We receive and absorb your lessons. Look at their actions in the Persian Gulf, where they helped local countries repel Iranian air attacks. So now they are truly security providers,” the admiral added.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov