Cavo Dragone: Ukraine regains control over part of territory, air defence is priority

Assessment of the situation on the line of contact

During his speech at the Berlin Security Conference, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, who heads the NATO Military Committee, shared his views on the dynamics of combat operations. According to him, the tactical initiative currently belongs to Ukrainian forces, not Russian ones. At the same time, the head of the Alliance's military body noted that the process of regaining control over territories is happening gradually and slowly, but the overall trend of events on the ground is favourable for Kyiv.

Position on peace negotiations

Cavo Dragone emphasised the importance of ceasing hostilities and moving towards negotiations. He noted that Ukraine has already demonstrated its readiness to sit at the negotiating table. However, according to the Admiral, Russia still needs to be convinced, and this is the only next step.

Military needs and Alliance support

In response to questions about the priority needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to change the situation on the ground, the Chairman of the NATO Military Committee named air defence systems and interceptor missiles. The Admiral added that the North Atlantic Alliance, together with international partners, is making maximum efforts to ensure the Ukrainian side has the necessary air defence means before the onset of the winter season.