Milan, 23 August (LaPresse) – ‘The Ukrainians are proving to be excellent fighters. An army that must remain on our side, a model for Europe. At every opportunity, NATO reiterates that our full support for Ukraine has never changed and will not change until there is a just and lasting peace.’ So said Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, head of NATO's Military Committee, in an interview with Corriere della Sera. "We intend to continue military aid and even increase it. It is now clear that the Ukrainians are seeking dialogue, but the Russians are reluctant and are stalling for time. I hope that sanctions aimed at increasing internal tension against Putin will be tightened. Our hope is to allow Ukraine to negotiate from a position of strength,‘ he added. Responding to a question about the results of last Wednesday's conference with 32 military leaders from NATO and the coalition of the Willing, Cavo Dragone explained: ’We took stock of the situation for concerted action by the Alliance. We want to facilitate a quick end to hostilities.‘ ’NATO countries have provided 99% of total military aid. In 2024, its value reached $50 billion. As of 1 January 2025, we are already at $33 billion, but by the end of the year we will be in line with the previous figure. The projections are quite optimistic," he added.