The Armed Forces of Ukraine have established the ARES (Allied Reform and Expert Support) Military Expert Council — an advisory body under the Commander-in-Chief, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reports.
This marks an important step towards the systemic strengthening of the Armed Forces: the Council will help implement institutional changes in military governance, support the transformation of the army, and enhance its overall effectiveness.
Among its priorities are the development of military science and education, improving the efficiency of meeting the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as providing advisory support on other matters within the remit of the Commander-in-Chief.
The Council is chaired by British General Sir Richard Shirreff (Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe, 2011–2014).
The Council includes prominent military leaders and experts from partner countries with extensive combat and leadership experience, including:
- General David Petraeus (Director of the US Central Intelligence Agency, 2011–2012);
- Admiral Manfred Nielson (Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, NATO, Germany, 2016–2019);
- Lieutenant General Pavel Macko (Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic, 2013–2018);
- Vice Admiral Sir Martin Connell (Second Sea Lord and Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff, Royal Navy, 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).
Preparations are currently underway for the launch of practical work and the first meeting of the ARES Military Expert Council.