For the first time (3 June 2026), NATO led a public affairs training course for personnel from Ukrainian security and defence institutions. The course was as part of a multi-year strategic communications project funded through the NATO Comprehensive Assistance Package for Ukraine (CAP).
Joint training with NATO is intended to help Ukraine enhance its communications efforts by sharing standard practices and tools. Participants learnt the fundamentals of military public affairs work, including drafting press releases; preparing for and conducting interviews and other media engagements; communicating during crises; and producing video and written content. The course was attended by press officers from Ukraine's Land Forces, Marine Corps, Unmanned Systems Forces, Border Guard and the National Guard.
"I'm particularly impressed by NATO's principles. These are systematic, structured exercises. They provide a solid foundation that helps you avoid mistakes later on. On the other hand, we are learning faster now because the war is changing dynamically." Dmytro Yuki, Head of Communications at the 1st Separate Centre for Unmanned Systems of the Armed Forces, participant in the course.
NATO provides extensive support to Ukraine through a range of structures and programmes. The CAP is a NATO framework for providing practical short-term and mid-to long-term support to help strengthen Ukraine's defence capabilities across many areas. These include cyber defence, logistics, explosive ordnance disposal, military training and education, and countering hybrid threats like the sabotage of critical infrastructure and disinformation campaigns. The NATO CAP Strategic Communications Project supports the development of strategic communications capabilities to enhance Ukraine's defence and security sector for the long-term including through training and sharing best practices between NATO and Ukrainian national authorities.
