NATO’s Message. On Sunday, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, Chairman of NATO’s Military Committee, visited Kyiv to meet with President Zelensky and Ukrainian officials.
- His message was clear: NATO remains fully committed to long-term military support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.
- “NATO is not stepping back. We are here to ensure security through continued support,” he stated.
- He pointed to the heavy toll on Russian forces, with over 7,000 casualties reported daily.
Russia’s strategic failures. In an interview with Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Cavo Dragone assessed Russia’s ongoing military strategy.
- Despite mounting losses, Moscow shows no intention of negotiating a political resolution.
- While Russia’s advances have stalled, Putin appears determined to prolong the war, likely in an attempt to wear down Ukraine’s resistance.
- “We are at a critical juncture where continuous support to Kyiv will prevent Russia from gaining any lasting advantage,” Dragone warned.
NATO’s long-term commitment. Cavo Dragone reaffirmed NATO’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s eventual integration into the alliance, emphasising that assistance remains non-negotiable.
- Since 2022, NATO allies have delivered over $50 billion in military aid to Ukraine.
- Despite Russia’s continued opposition, Ukraine’s NATO membership aspirations remain on course.
Trumping the news. In a recent development, US President Donald Trump has re-entered the conversation, claiming he recently contacted Russian President Vladimir Putin and signalled his intention to negotiate a resolution to the war.
- Trump’s national security team is actively involved in shaping the diplomatic approach.
- National security adviser Mike Waltz stressed that sanctions and trade agreements could be used to pressure Putin into talks.
- Trump has also suggested that the US pursue resource-based agreements with Kyiv as part of a potential peace deal.
All eyes on Munich. Vice President JD Vance is leading a delegation to the upcoming Munich Security Conference (15-16 February), where he will meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after avoiding him at last year’s event.
- Keith Kellogg, Trump’s envoy for Ukraine and Russia, is accompanying Vance as the US explores diplomatic options to end the war.
- National security advisor Waltz noted that senior US diplomats are in Europe this week to assess possible negotiation frameworks.
- Cavo Dragone underlined the importance of maintaining a united front as Russia continues its aggressive campaign with no clear path to de-escalation.
Escalating conflict and diplomatic moves. As tensions over the war in Ukraine rise, diplomatic efforts are intensifying.
- Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin recently claimed that Moscow has yet to receive a serious proposal for peace talks, insisting that “legitimate Russian interests” must be considered.
- Meanwhile, Russia continues its offensive, including drone strikes on Kyiv and territorial advances in Donetsk.
(Photo: X, @CMC_NATO)
