In his opening remarks, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, Chair of the NATO Military Committee, described the security environment at the start of 2026 as particularly demanding. Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine, continued instability along NATO’s southern neighbourhood, disruptions to global trade routes and energy flows, and the growing prevalence of cyber attacks, sabotage and disinformation remain central concerns for the Alliance.
Against this backdrop, Admiral Cavo Dragone highlighted recent diplomatic and military efforts aimed at enabling peace in Ukraine. He referred to initiatives led by the United States and the “Coalition of the Willing”, under the leadership of France and the United Kingdom, focused on anticipating Ukraine’s future security requirements. Over the past year, NATO’s support to Ukraine has become increasingly structured through mechanisms such as NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine, the Joint Analysis, Training and Education Center, and the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List, to which many Allies now contribute.
From a military perspective, the Chair underlined the strengthening of NATO’s own defence posture. He cited the launch of Baltic Sentry and Eastern Sentry operations, alongside an increase in the scale and frequency of Allied exercises. These measures, he noted, reflect NATO’s capacity to deter and defend across a full 360-degree spectrum. He also recalled the decisions taken at the NATO Summit in The Hague last summer, where all Allies committed to increasing defence investment as part of a long-term approach to collective security.
Despite this emphasis on cohesion and readiness, the war in Ukraine continues to pose unresolved strategic challenges. After nearly four years of conflict, the military balance has stabilised without producing a decisive outcome or a clearly defined political end-state. While Allied support has been instrumental in sustaining Ukraine’s defence, it has yet to translate into a credible pathway toward a durable and secure peace.
In this context, analysts increasingly point to the need for a broader strategic framework that combines military support with renewed diplomatic engagement. Any sustainable resolution will require continued commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and security, alongside a realistic assessment of Russia’s strategic position and security concerns. Without engaging with this dimension, efforts to resolve the conflict risk remaining incremental rather than transformative.
The broader implications of the war also extend beyond the immediate battlefield. Economic pressures linked to energy markets, supply chains and inflation continue to affect European societies, underscoring the importance of resilience and cohesion within Allied states. Maintaining public support for long-term security commitments remains a key consideration for policymakers across the Euro-Atlantic area.
During the two-day meeting, Chiefs of Defence are expected to address both immediate operational priorities and longer-term strategic adaptation. Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) will present an assessment of readiness, deterrence and defence, while Supreme Allied Commander Transformation (SACT) will focus on accelerating the delivery of key capabilities to ensure NATO forces remain prepared for evolving threats. Partnerships will also feature prominently, including cooperation through the NATO-Ukraine Council, engagement with Indo-Pacific partners and Georgia, and coordination with the European Union.
Reflecting on his first year as Chair, Admiral Cavo Dragone described cohesion as the Military Committee’s defining strength, noting that differences among Allies can reinforce collective decision-making within a democratic Alliance.
The opening session concluded with an Act of Remembrance honouring service members from across the Alliance, Ukrainian soldiers, and the families who bear the enduring cost of military service. Addressing Allied citizens through the media, Admiral Cavo Dragone emphasised that security is a shared responsibility extending beyond political and military institutions.
As NATO enters 2026, the central challenge it faces is not solely military, but strategic. Sustaining unity and deterrence remains essential, yet these must be complemented by strategic adaptability and credible political pathways. The Alliance’s ability to align military preparedness with long-term diplomatic and security objectives will be critical in determining whether current policies contribute to lasting stability or merely manage a prolonged conflict.
- Photo: NATO
