NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska participated in a meeting of the European Group of Five (E5) Defence Ministers in Paris on Monday (26 October 2026). They discussed ongoing support to Ukraine, European security and the situation in the Middle East. The meeting brought together representatives from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.
Ms Shekerinska reaffirmed NATO's strong support for Ukraine. She said that air defence and vital equipment continue to flow through NATO's PURL initiative and other channels, and that Allies are deepening their cooperation with Ukraine's defence industry. She underscored that support to Ukraine was essential, both "to ensure a just and lasting peace, but also long-term European security".
Addressing the situation in the Middle East, the Deputy Secretary General was clear that safeguarding freedom of navigation is vital for energy supplies and global trade. She welcomed Allied support in this effort.
