44 lawmakers voted in favor, five opposed, and two abstained. The initiative was first submitted by the Defense and Security Council on Feb. 7, but its passage was delayed by resistance within the ruling coalition — particularly from the Democratic People’s Party, which warned it could harm relations with Russia.
“This can only further jeopardize our relations with the Russian Federation," DNP MP Vladislav Bojović said then.
"It would be wiser to stay out of other people’s conflicts.”
Under NSATU, Montenegrin service members will help train Ukrainian units in NATO member states. Defense Minister Dragan Krapović noted the decision to continue supporting Ukraine was aligned at last year’s NATO summit in Washington.
This is Montenegro’s second “Ukraine mission” since Russia’s full-scale invasion. The first — the EU Military Assistance Mission to Ukraine (EUMAM) — also awaits parliamentary approval, which could come by June 2025.
In parallel, a 10-year security agreement between Montenegro and Ukraine is being prepared, envisaging:
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support in the event of armed attack
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investment in the defense industry
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intelligence sharing
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assistance with reconstruction in war-affected areas.
The agreement still requires ratification by parliament.
Parliamentary speaker Andrija Mandić, known for pro-Russian views, opposed a resolution condemning Russia’s invasion.
Montenegro has been a NATO member since June 5, 2017, joining as the Alliance’s 29th state. The decision, taken by a government led by the Democratic Party of Socialists under Milo Đukanović, was justified as strengthening national security and ensuring protection against external threats.