NATO intensifies Ukraine support with senior official appointment

NATO said on Wednesday it had appointed a senior official to lead the alliance's work in Ukraine as part of a broader effort to intensify support for Kyiv as it fights Russia's invasion.

Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg announced the appointment of Patrick Turner, a seasoned British official with extensive NATO experience, as the alliance's Senior Representative in Ukraine.

"Patrick Turner brings years of leadership and experience to this role," Stoltenberg said. "As a committed public servant, he has a strong track record of delivering results. I am confident he will excel in this important position as NATO steps up its support for Ukraine."

Turner expressed his commitment to the new role: “I am truly honored to be appointed as NATO's Senior Representative in Ukraine. I look forward to leading the NATO Representation and working closely with Ukrainian authorities, NATO Allies, and partners to deliver robust support to Ukraine.”

Taking up his role in Kyiv in September 2024, Turner will head the NATO Representation in Ukraine (NRU) and act as the focal point for NATO’s engagement with Ukrainian authorities. He will coordinate NATO’s efforts and provide the Alliance with critical assessments and advice on the situation in Ukraine.

At a recent summit in Washington, NATO leaders agreed to take a major role in coordinating military aid and training for Ukraine. While NATO as an organization does not supply lethal aid, many of its members are leading suppliers of arms and ammunition to Kyiv.

Turner previously served as NATO Assistant Secretary General for Operations and Assistant Secretary General for Defence Policy and Planning, as well as holding senior civil service positions in the United Kingdom.