NATO’s Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska met senior Ukrainian leaders during a two day visit to Kyiv on 24 and 25 November, according to the organisation.
Meetings with Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko and Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka focused on rising Russian strikes against energy and critical infrastructure. The press release said Shekerinska stressed that Ukraine needs adequate resources to defend against current attacks and deter future threats.
Further discussions with Foreign Affairs Minister Andrii Sybiha and Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal centered on NATO’s support mechanisms. The alliance pointed to assistance provided through the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List. It also highlighted ongoing work through the NATO Representation to Ukraine Office, the NATO Ukraine Council, the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine command, and the Joint Analysis, Training, and Education Centre.
Shekerinska and First Deputy Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced a new NATO Ukraine initiative called UNITE – Brave NATO, described as a joint effort meant to strengthen defence innovation. The programme is intended to link Ukrainian and NATO innovators to address battlefield needs in real time, according to the organisation.
During the visit, Shekerinska met Deputy Speaker Oleksandr Korniyenko at the Verkhovna Rada. She also held discussions with Veterans Affairs Minister Natalia Kalmykova and several Ukrainian veterans. The press release quoted Shekerinska as saying she commended them for their strength and resilience while reviewing ongoing cooperation with the ministry.
The trip concluded with a meeting with President Zelenskyy and participation in a session of the Coalition of the Willing.
