Ukraine's future and NATO cooperation
In this Defence24 interview, Olena Shtokalo of the National Guard of Ukraine „Azov” discusses the ongoing war with Russia and the prospects for peace. She reflects on the controversial role of Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan, warning that any rushed agreement could undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and reward Russian aggression.
Shtokalo emphasises that Ukraine faces enormous challenges ahead: rebuilding destroyed infrastructure, sustaining military readiness, and keeping international support strong in the long run. She notes that the presence of foreign troops, whether through training missions or allied deployments, is a sensitive issue that requires careful political and strategic management.
Looking to the future, Shtokalo highlights the importance of deepening cooperation with NATO. Ukraine’s security, she argues, depends not only on military assistance but also on integration into wider Euro-Atlantic structures. For Kyiv, continued solidarity from allies remains the decisive factor in resisting Russia and safeguarding independence.