A months-long political deadlock ended as Montenegro’s parliament approved the deployment of its troops to NATO's Ukraine training mission, according to RFE/RL Participation in the mission will be limited strictly to NATO member states’ territory. NATO’s broader role involves coordinating training for Ukraine’s security forces. Montenegro is expected to contribute to a second Ukraine-related initiative — the EU Military Assistance Mission Ukraine (EUMAM) — approved earlier this year after similar delays.
Parliament authorizes Montenegro’s troops to join NATO mission for Ukraine
On 12 November, Montenegro’s Skupština voted to allow the country’s military to participate in NATO’s security assistance and training activities for Ukraine, according to RFE/RL. The decision, passed after nine months of delay, saw 44 out of 81 lawmakers in favor, with five voting against and two abstaining.
The plan to include Montenegro in NATO’s NSATU (NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine) initiative was originally adopted by the country’s Defense and Security Council on 7 February. The council includes President Jakov Milatović, Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, and parliamentary speaker Andrija Mandić.
Montenegrin Defense Minister Dragan Krapović noted the decision aligns with the support path adopted at the NATO summit in Washington last year.
Ruling coalition split over supporting Russia or Ukraine
Despite government backing, the Democratic People's Party (DNP), part of the ruling coalition, opposed the decision. DNP lawmaker Vladislav Bojović claimed that the move could “further endanger our relations with the Russian Federation,” adding, “It would be wiser to stay neutral when it comes to other people’s conflicts.” Speaker Mandić’s party also opposes sanctions Montenegro imposed on Russia.
