Weapons and training. NATO supports Ukraine systemically

What does the command structure look like?

W Wiesbaden employs about 350 people from 31 countries, including the Indo-Pacific region – Australia and fresh Zealand. We are besides waiting for representatives from Japan and South Korea to strengthen the structure of the NSATU, in peculiar my Support Division, which will take place in 2–3 months. This demonstrates the non-Nathic nature of the task and demonstrates global commitment to defending the principles of global order. 14 soldiers from Poland service in Wiesbaden. Ukraine besides has its liaison component here.

NSTU is to support the Ukrainian army in terms of equipment, training and improvement of the armed forces.

These are the 3 main areas of our business. We coordinate the transportation of equipment, its maintenance, identify training needs and identify partner countries that have the capacity to implement them. We besides support the construction of the future capabilities of the Ukrainian armed forces to be compatible with NATO. We're working with EUMAM mission, Interflex operations from the UK, US and another countries that offer bilateral training.

Where do funds come from to finance the support provided by NSATU Ukraine?

Financial assistance to Ukraine is implemented, among others, through the Natov NSATU Trust Fund – a flexible mechanics allowing fast purchases of goods and services for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This fund allows immediate consequence to urgent operational needs without the request to pass through time-consuming tendering procedures.

In parallel, there is simply a fresh financing model – the alleged Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL). Within this framework, European allies and Canada declare the circumstantial amounts they allocate to acquisition American weapons for Ukraine. Equipment is supplied by the US and financed by participating countries.

The basis of this process is simply a broader paper – Comprehensive Ukraine Requirements List (CURL) – covering the full spectrum of operational needs reported by the Ukrainian side. It is from this list that the priorities that are to be implemented under the PURL are distinguished.

Ukrainian soldiers in training under EUMAM, Żagań, 2025.

Co-ordination of Western aid to Ukraine and training of its soldiers are the main tasks of the NSATU – the Natov command

You're in charge of the top 3 managements of the command...

Yes, it is the Support Division, which has more than 135 people from 31 countries. I am liable for financial processes and logistics. I besides command 3 logistics centres (LENs): in Poland (LEN-P), Romania (LEN-R) and Slovakia (LEN-S). The largest of them, in Rzeszów-Jasionka, operates more than 94% of equipment and supplies delivered to Ukraine. It is through this point that most transports go through – by land, rail and air.

Can you tell us precisely what kind of equipment you are transferring to Ukraine?

Since March, erstwhile we took over the logistics centres, we have carried out around 80 1000 transports – on average 20 1000 tonnes per month. We support air defense, send e.g. Patriot radar (from German resources), transfer equipment for armored troops, artillery, electronic combat units and engineering units. This is simply a teamwork involving experts from many countries. We have a computer strategy “armed” with artificial intelligence (AI), which collects yearly demand, but we besides update operational data daily, reacting to the changing situation on the front.

Does it happen that the resources of the Western army deficiency equipment that is Ukraine urgently needed on the front line?

These situations happen. At the beginning of the war, the aid was based mainly on stocks, present more and more supplies come straight from the European defence industry, so equipment is not available immediately. A good example is the German IRIS-T system, which hits the battlefield consecutive from the factory. We besides support the improvement of Ukrainian industry, due to the fact that although it will not guarantee full self-sufficiency of the army there, it is simply a direction worth strengthening. We must besides remember the balance – Ukraine needs support, but NATO must besides rebuild its own capabilities.

Supplies are 1 thing, but equipment must besides be preserved and renovated. What is the function of the NSATU?

We organize cyclical meetings of experts at the border with Ukraine, during which we discuss method issues related to the supply of spare parts. They are attended by representatives of the Western, Ukrainian and armed forces. Unfortunately, I cannot discuss the details of specified meetings.

What about training Ukrainian soldiers?

The NSATU Training Board, composed of military and civilian experts from 22 countries, coordinates training programmes in accordance with the priorities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. We operate in 4 areas: synchronising needs with capabilities, designing realistic training, operational planning and implementing best practices. From basic recruit training to specialist courses – any take place in Ukraine, any in partner countries. The EUMAM mission, as well as the USA, the United Kingdom and another countries, plays a major role. We besides support programs for instructors so that they can train Ukrainian soldiers utilizing circumstantial weapons systems.

Is this collaboration just a transfer of cognition from the West?

Definitely not. NSTU cooperates with 10 thematic coalitions. We have late held a conference with 150 representatives from over 20 countries and Ukrainian specialists. The aim was to exchange experience and synchronise actions. Drones are a good example – their function changes the way war is waged. Ukraine has besides created unmanned logistics, evacuation and maritime systems. It is an inspiration for the defence industry, besides in Poland.

Ukraine is increasingly hitting Russia...

Ukraine's ability to counterattacks increased significantly. This is simply a consequence of well-trained personnel and modern equipment. Attacks on Russian refineries, presentation of Flamingo rocket or announcement of production of respective 1000 long-range drones – all this shows that Ukraine is developing its own technologies. 1 country has late declared that €300 million has been transferred to the production of long-range drones. It's not just support, it's investment in the future.

The commander of Ukrainian drone units, Robert “Madziar” Browdi, rightly noted that drones should be designed to meet the needs of each level of combat – from platoon to brigade. These technologies are available and cheap, and cooperation with Ukraine is in the interests of all.

What is the biggest challenge in building Ukraine's interoperability with NATO?

Variety of systems. Ukraine uses russian and Western solutions, making logistics difficult. Together with the Ukrainian liaison group at NSATU, we analyse how to simplify the structure and set the direction of development. This allows us to better prioritise and coordinate actions.

The NSATU Armed Forces improvement Board plans to act in advance for up to 24 months. To this end, we usage the alleged OFDeF – a platform for synchronizing Ukrainian needs with the capabilities of allies. Ukraine's experience changes the global approach to defence – focuses on flexibility, fresh technologies and social cooperation. Ukraine not only adapts to fresh conditions, but besides sets the directions for change.

What are the goals of the NSATU for the next time?

We want to increase the predictability of deliveries. It's crucial for planning defence activities. Sometimes decisions are besides late. This is an area that we request to improve together with partners in and outside Europe. We are working to guarantee that Ukraine can plan more in advance and not just respond to current needs.

We must besides keep sending Russia a clear signal that we will support Ukraine as long as necessary. Regardless of the Kremlin's plans, Ukraine will not be alone. This is not only a political issue, but besides a moral and strategical issue. I believe that consistency and solidarity are crucial – and that it is thanks to them that Ukraine will last this test.