UKRAINE – NATO. DEVELOPMENT OF THE INDUSTRY OF MILITARY MEDICAL SUPPLY OF NATO OPERATIONS

Abstract

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), also known as the North Atlantic Alliance, is an international intergovernmental organization and a military-political alliance comprising countries from North America and Europe. It ensures the collective defense of its members through its core missions: deterrence and defense, crisis prevention and management, and security through cooperation. A key component of Ukraine’s integration into the global security space is its collaboration with international intergovernmental organizations. In this context, military cooperation with NATO member states plays a pivotal role in Ukraine’s partnership with the Alliance. Within NATO, medical support is primarily regarded as a national responsibility of member states. However, the growing complexity of NATO’s operations—especially in disaster relief and humanitarian contexts—has underscored the need for improved coordination in the provision of medical aid. Operations conducted in extreme conditions have driven innovation and further development in medical support systems. Contemporary NATO military medicine employs advanced practices to optimize care for the wounded. This is underpinned by foundational planning and training, which enable adaptability to the challenges posed by casualty volume and type, harsh environmental conditions, logistical constraints, and mission priorities that may supersede medical needs. These approaches are informed by real-world experience and lessons learned from ongoing military conflicts. Ukraine’s Strategy for the Development of the Medical Forces of the Armed Forces until 2035 outlines long-term objectives for building modern, efficient, and technologically advanced medical capabilities. It emphasizes the adoption of effective treatment, rehabilitation, and preventive care practices. Incorporating NATO members’ best practices for medical support in emergency situations will align Ukraine’s capacities with international standards, contributing to the formation of a unified national medical space and the development of a robust national emergency response model—key steps in Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic integration.