On Thursday, US President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a bilateral security agreement, marking a significant milestone in the long-term support of the United States for Ukraine.
The agreement was signed at the end of the first day meeting of the Group of Seven (G7) summit in the southern Italian region of Puglia. Biden and Zelensky held a joint press conference to explain the commitments outlined in the agreement.
After months of negotiations, the agreement includes pledges for the US to continue training Ukrainian armed forces over the next decade, enhance cooperation in weapons and military equipment production, provide ongoing military assistance, and strengthen intelligence sharing. However, Biden made it clear that the US has no intention of sending troops to Ukraine for combat operations.
“Our goal is to enhance Ukraine’s credible defense and deterrence capabilities in the long term,” Biden stated. “Ukraine’s enduring peace must rely on its existing self-defense capabilities and resilience against any future aggression. The United States will help ensure that Ukraine can achieve both.”
“We stand with Ukraine,” Biden affirmed.
Overall, Biden described the agreement as a strong set of actions that would lay a more solid foundation for Ukraine’s success.
Zelensky, after signing the agreement, described it as a “truly historic day.” He also mentioned that the agreement would serve as a bridge for Ukraine’s efforts to join NATO.
While acknowledging that the agreement is not binding on future US presidents, Zelensky expressed confidence that future American leaders would continue to support Ukraine.
The agreement also includes a termination clause, allowing either party to request termination in writing, with the provision taking effect six months after the notice of termination is issued.
The text further states, “In the event that Ukraine becomes a member of NATO, the parties will hold meetings to negotiate the future status of this agreement.”
Russia did not immediately comment on the US-Ukraine bilateral security agreement. However, President Putin warned last week that Russia might provide long-range weapons to other countries to target Western objectives in response to NATO countries allowing Ukraine to use Western weapons against Russian territory.
Putin also reiterated that Russia is ready to use nuclear weapons if it perceives its sovereignty to be under threat.