The Armed Forces of Ukraine have established the Military Expert Council ARES (Allied Reform and Expert Support), an advisory body to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi, headed by British General Richard Shirreff (NATO's Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe (DSACEUR) in 2011-2014). It was reported by General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Telegram, the Ukrainian News agency informs.
It is noted that the task of the Council is to exchange best Ukrainian and international experience for the development of the army.
"This is an important step for the systemic strengthening of the Armed Forces: The Council will help implement institutional changes in the Armed Forces management system, support the transformation of the army and increase its effectiveness," the statement said.
The Council's priorities include the development of military science and education, increasing the efficiency of meeting the needs of the Armed Forces, as well as advisory support on other issues within the authority of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
The Council also includes distinguished military leaders and experts from partner countries with unique combat and leadership experience, including General David Petraeus (Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, 2011–2012); Admiral Manfred Nielson (Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, NATO, Germany, 2016–2019); Lieutenant General Pavel Macko (Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic, 2013–2018); Vice Admiral Sir Martin Connell (Second Sea Lord and Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff, United Kingdom, 2022–2025); Lieutenant General Andrew Leslie (Commander of the Canadian Army, 2006–2010); Major General Patrick Carpentier (Commander of Joint Task Force North, Canadian Armed Forces, 2017–2020); Commodore Hans Helseth (Representative of the Royal Norwegian Navy to NATO structures).
Preparations are currently underway for the start of practical work and the first meeting of the Military Expert Council.
As the Ukrainian News agency earlier reported, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that there is currently no consensus in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization on Ukraine's possible accession to the Alliance. In April, Rutte named four countries that are hindering Ukraine's accession to NATO.
Who we are: About us, Contacts. How we write news and our principles: Editorial code. We did our best. If you found this valuable – please support us.
To request a correction, please send an email.