NATO says it's "only a matter of time" before Ukraine's new commander-in-chief and top Allied commander in Europe meet in person

NATO says it is only a matter of time before Mykhailo Drapatyi, the newly-appointed commander-in-chief of Ukraine's Armed Forces, and Alexus Grynkewich, Supreme Allied Commander Europe and Commander of US Forces in Europe (SACEUR), meet in person.

"There's lots of focus at the moment in Washington and Europe regarding the Ukrainians' defence, and towards bringing the needless killing to an end. While I do not have any specific meetings to announce, it will only be a matter of time before the two will meet face-to-face," the spokesperson for the Supreme Allied Commander Europe told European Pravda's Brussels correspondent.

The spokesperson reported that Grynkewich recently held a phone call with Drapatyi.

"SACEUR spoke to him while on his way to Washington, DC for important meetings with US administration, defence and congressional officials."

Drapatyi recently made his first phone call as commander-in-chief with General Alexus Grynkewich.

In an earlier comment on Drapatyi's appointment, NATO stressed that the Alliance's support strategy for Ukraine remains clear and unwavering.

Commenting on former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov's dismissal, European Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius said that it would inevitably raise questions in the EU as to why someone like him was being replaced.