NATO-Ukraine Council Hears Ukraine’s Plan to Strengthen Military and Energy Security
Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Taras Kachka informed NATO partners about Kyiv's steps to move closer to Alliance standards and the urgent need to counter Russian aggression.
The Gaze reports on it, referring to a post by Taras Kachka on Facebook.
At a regular, previously unannounced meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council (NUC), Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister presented the current situation on the battlefield, Ukraine's key needs for protection against Russian aggression, and the progress of reforms in various areas.
He stressed that over the course of the year, Ukraine had implemented a series of measures within the framework of the adapted 2025 Annual National Program to move closer to NATO standards, particularly in the security and defense sector.
Particular attention was paid to the Alliance's recommendations for 2026 that provide for further implementation of standards, improvement of defense procurement, and development of the defense industry.
The Deputy Prime Minister also stressed the importance of democratic reforms, including ensuring the rule of law, anti-corruption policies, and the protection of the rights of national minorities.
In addition, measures to support Ukraine's energy sector were discussed, particularly in the context of increased rocket attacks by Russia, which is attempting to use winter as a tool of pressure.
“The number of attacks has risen sharply in recent months. Last month alone, the enemy carried out a record number of missile strikes for 2025 – 268 missiles of various types were fired at Ukrainian cities and infrastructure facilities,” Taras Kachka emphasized. “Strengthening Ukraine's air defense to protect energy facilities is an absolute priority at the moment.”
The Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister expressed gratitude to NATO member states for their continued support in countering Russian aggression and promoting stable peace, in particular for the effective implementation of the PURL initiative that has become an example of transatlantic solidarity.
The NATO-Ukraine Council is a joint body where Ukraine and NATO member states meet on an equal footing to develop political dialogue, cooperation, and Ukraine's progress toward Alliance membership. It provides for consultations, decision-making, joint activities, and serves as a crisis consultation mechanism.
The body was established at the 2023 NATO summit in Vilnius as part of an assistance package that also includes a multi-year support program for reforming the security and defense sector and achieving operational compatibility with NATO, with confirmation of Ukraine's future membership upon fulfillment of the relevant requirements.
Following the annexation of Crimea and the start of the war in eastern Ukraine in 2014, the NATO-Ukraine Commission held extraordinary meetings, condemned Russia's actions, and stepped up cooperation on defense reforms. Similarly, in February 2022, on the eve of a full-scale invasion, the allies condemned Russia's further aggression and called for a diplomatic settlement.
These bodies continue to coordinate assistance to Ukraine during the full-scale war, serving as a crisis consultation mechanism and demonstrating NATO's political solidarity. Through the NUC and the Commission, Ukraine receives support in reforming its security sector, building its defense capabilities, and moving closer to Alliance standards, confirming their strategic importance for the country.
As The Gaze reported earlier, Ukraine has called on NATO allies to urgently step up support for its air defense, expand investment in its defense industry, and increase pressure on Russia following the latest wave of large-scale missile and drone attacks.
Read more on The Gaze: NATO without Consensus: How Ukraine Is Forcing the Alliance to Rethink Itself