Initiative Has Shifted To Ukraine: NATO Assesses The Situation At The Front
The initiative on the battlefield in Russia’s war against Ukraine now belongs to Ukraine’s Defense Forces. They are gradually regaining control of small sections of territory. At the same time, to further strengthen its defense, Ukraine above all needs air defense assets and interceptor missiles. NATO Military Committee Chairman Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone stated this in comments to Ukrinform on the sidelines of the Berlin Security Conference, UATV English relays.
According to the admiral, the situation on the ground is gradually developing in Ukraine’s favor, though the pace of advance remains slow.
“As I’ve been briefed, the situation on the ground is developing positively for Ukraine, although slowly,” Cavo Dragone noted.
Asked who currently holds the initiative on the battlefield — Russia or Ukraine — NATO’s Military Committee chairman emphasized that the advantage lies with the Ukrainian forces.
“According to our information, the initiative belongs to Ukraine. It’s gaining small sections of territory, but this isn’t Russian initiative, it’s Ukrainian,” the admiral stated.
At the same time, the NATO representative emphasized the need to move toward negotiations and halt hostilities. In his view, Ukraine is ready for a diplomatic settlement, but Russia still needs to be convinced to agree to the negotiation process.
“I think Ukraine is ready for that. I think Russia needs to be convinced. But that’s the only next step we can try to achieve,” Cavo Dragone noted.
The admiral separately named the priority needs of Ukrainian forces. According to him, to change the situation on the battlefield, Ukraine most urgently needs air defense systems and interceptors.
“First and foremost, it’s air defense, interceptors,” NATO’s Military Committee chairman noted.
He added that the Alliance, together with member states, is making every effort to provide Ukraine with the necessary equipment before winter sets in.
It was previously reported that, in October, a NATO Military Committee delegation led by Giuseppe Cavo Dragone visited Ukraine. During the visit, the admiral stated the intent to speed up deliveries of 20mm ammunition to Ukraine for countering Russian jet-powered drones, and assured continued support from allies.
Read also: Medinsky’s Appointment Signals Kremlin’s Lack of Interest in Good-Faith Talks in Abu Dhabi — ISW
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- November, 07
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8 of November 2026
