The relationship between NATO and Ukraine is increasingly taking on the character of a partnership of equals, where allies not only support Kyiv but also directly learn from the Ukrainian experience of war. This was stated by Patrick Turner, NATO Senior Representative to Ukraine, during the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum, themed “Darkness or Dawn: Is Light Ahead?”

“This is increasingly a relationship of equals. Allies understand how important it is to learn from Ukraine just as much as it is to support Ukraine,” he emphasized.

According to Turner, NATO’s relationship with Ukraine simultaneously encompasses both support in the current war and the building of long-term defense and deterrence capabilities for Ukraine and Europe.

He emphasized that the Alliance and Ukraine share uniquely close political and military ties, reflecting the importance of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and their role in Euro-Atlantic security.

“In its history, NATO has never had such a large-scale, vital, and profound partnership,” the Alliance representative stated.

Turner reported that NATO’s key priorities explicitly include issues related to Ukraine: increasing defense spending, ramping up defense production, and large-scale, long-term support for Ukraine. “These are urgent priorities, but they are also long-term priorities,” he said, adding that progress will be assessed this July at the NATO Summit in Ankara.

According to him, this year Ukraine has requested $60 billion in support from its partners, with nearly two-thirds of that amount already pledged by allies.

He specifically mentioned the continuation of the PURL initiative, which provides for the supply of key American weaponry to Ukraine, as well as the work of the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) command.

Turner emphasized that support must meet Ukraine’s urgent needs, particularly in the areas of air defense, drone and missile production, and long-range munitions. He also stressed that this is not only about current needs but also about building Ukraine’s long-term capabilities.

“Our support should also be directed toward building sustainable capabilities for Ukraine for the future,” he noted.

Turner also recalled that a “Roadmap for Interoperability” has already been agreed upon between NATO and Ukraine, which defines short- and long-term goals for the development of defense capabilities.

He also emphasized that large-scale support for Ukraine will remain necessary regardless of the developments on the front line or a potential ceasefire.

“It is absolutely clear that large-scale support will be needed in the long term, regardless of whether there is a ceasefire or peace. The Russian threat will not disappear,” Turner emphasized.

“Open Ukraine” is an international foundation established in 2007 upon the initiative of Arseniy Yatsenyuk to strengthen Ukraine’s standing in the world. Each year, the Foundation organizes the Kyiv Security Forum, which has become Ukraine’s leading international discussion platform on issues of war and peace, as well as the Youth Kyiv Security Forum, dedicated to developing a new generation of Ukrainian leaders.