NATO Announces New Head of Representation in Ukraine

NATO has appointed Patrick Turner as its senior representative in Ukraine, as announced by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Wednesday, July 17. Turner, who currently serves as Assistant Secretary General for Operations and Defence Policy and Planning at NATO, will assume his duties in Kyiv in September 2024. In his new role, Turner will lead NATO’s mission in Ukraine, coordinate NATO’s interaction with Ukrainian authorities in Kyiv, and provide assessments and advice to NATO on the situation in Ukraine.

Prior to his appointment, Turner held several senior positions in the British civil service. Speaking on his new role, Turner expressed his honor in being appointed as NATO’s senior representative in Ukraine and looks forward to leading NATO’s mission while closely collaborating with Ukrainian authorities, NATO members, and partners to support Ukraine.

The decision to appoint a special representative in Kyiv was part of NATO’s summit in Washington, D.C. from July 9-11, which also endorsed the establishment of a new structure named “NATO Security Assistance and Training Support for Ukraine” (NSATU) to coordinate long-term assistance efforts for Ukraine.