Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, head of NATO’s Military Committee, says discussions about deploying foreign military contingents in Ukraine remain premature, despite ongoing European diplomatic efforts to secure post-war security guarantees.

European officials have been discussing plans to deploy British and French troops to Ukraine as part of a peace agreement, with approximately 10 countries reportedly ready to provide military personnel. German Bundeswehr union leader Andre Wüstner believes an effective peacekeeping mission in Ukraine would require deploying tens of thousands of troops for an extended period.

“We have absolutely not talked about it in NATO, not even mentioned it,” Cavo Dragone told Corriere della Sera during his visit to Kiev alongside NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.

The Italian admiral emphasized that potential foreign troop presence “is part of international politics and negotiations with Moscow,” but NATO itself has not engaged in such discussions. “We know that the issue of contingents has been touched upon by individual nations, perhaps at a bilateral level. But, I repeat, it remains embryonic,” he said.

Military aid continues despite stalled peace talks

NATO countries have provided 99% of all military aid to Ukraine, totaling $50 billion in 2024 and already reaching $33 billion since January 2025, according to Cavo Dragone. The alliance expects to match last year’s figures by year-end.

The admiral revealed details of the newly created PURL (Prioritized Ukrainian Requirement List), developed in collaboration with President Trump and his advisors. “This list is produced by Ukrainians based on their actual military needs in the field,” Cavo Dragone explained. The list gets validated by General Alexus Grynkewich, NATO’s European commander, before the United States rapidly delivers the requested military materials.

Three PURL packages worth approximately $500 million each have been funded: the Netherlands financed the first in early August, Denmark, Finland and Sweden covered the second, while Germany paid for the third mid-month. The weapons primarily include air defense systems against missiles and drones, plus ammunition of various calibers.

Key questions remain unanswered

Cavo Dragone outlined critical unresolved issues surrounding potential peacekeeping forces: “On the ground, who decides if Russians or Ukrainians have violated agreements? Who develops rules of engagement? How much territory needs to be secured? Should soldiers only monitor or also defend, and if so, with what weapons? Nothing has been defined.”

The admiral noted uncertainty about troop availability, suggesting “someone might think of soldiers from non-NATO countries. Everything is open.” He stressed NATO’s primary commitment: “NATO remains committed to defending first and foremost the citizens of its member states.”

Russian demands rejected

When asked about Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov’s statement that Moscow should participate in Ukraine’s security guarantees, Cavo Dragone dismissed it as “part of the game.” He expressed understanding for Ukrainian rejection of Russian involvement, citing Moscow’s violation of 1994 agreements.

“We are still very far from any agreement. We need to negotiate and would need a ceasefire soon to negotiate,” the admiral concluded.

On 7 February 2025, NATO Military Committee Chairman Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone made his first foreign trip to Ukraine. He met with Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha in Kyiv to discuss military aid and defense capabilities.

The Italian admiral assumed leadership of NATO’s Military Committee, the alliance’s highest military body, in January 2025. In this role, he represents the collective views of NATO chiefs of staff and guides the committee’s agenda.