NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska participated in a working session on Ukraine at an informal meeting of EU Defence Ministers in Copenhagen on Friday (29 August 2025).
EU2025DK, Udenrigsministeriet. // Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union July - December 2025
In her keynote address, Deputy Secretary General Shekerinska highlighted NATO's long-term commitment to Ukraine, as Russia continues its illegal war of aggression. Citing recent Russian air strikes on Kyiv, which killed more than 20 Ukrainians, including 4 children, Ms Shekerinska said "this is violence for the sake of violence. We will all continue to work together to help Ukraine defend itself. And ensure this brutal war can end, with a just and lasting peace."
Ms Shekerinska emphasised that Ukraine's security is essential to Euro-Atlantic security: "Ukraine's people have endured so much. They need real peace, real safety, and real security."
Outlining NATO's strong support to Ukraine, including NATO's new Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), the Deputy Secretary General noted that in less than one month, this new initiative "has already meant an additional $2 billion of essential equipment for Ukraine. Strengthening their air defences, providing ammunition, and more."
Ms Shekerinska welcomed the EU's investments in Ukraine's defence industry, including through the use of revenues from frozen Russian assets. "We need to ensure our support to Ukraine continues. And at the same time, we need to ensure we're investing in our own defences," she said, pointing to decisions taken at the NATO Summit in The Hague to increase defence investment and boost industrial capacity.
"I believe that the strategic partnership between NATO and the EU is stronger than ever. And if we work together, I know we will succeed."
The meeting was hosted by High Representative Kaja Kallas and Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen. The Ukrainian Minister of Defence Denys Shmyhal, also attended.
