Strengthening Ukraine’s Security: Selenskyj and Biden Seal Security Pact

With 15 countries already signing security agreements with Ukraine, the United States is now set to follow suit. The agreement is slated to be signed on the sidelines of the G7 summit, with the US citing it as a “bridge” towards a potential NATO membership for Ukraine.

The United States and Ukraine are on track to finalize a bilateral security agreement. This was announced by US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan during the flight to the G7 summit in Italy. The agreement reportedly encompasses arms deliveries and support for Ukraine, excluding the deployment of US forces. Fifteen countries have already entered into similar pacts with Ukraine, with the negotiations between the US government and Kiev now concluded. US President Joe Biden and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky are expected to sign the agreement on Thursday.

Sullivan referred to the agreement with Kiev as a “bridge” towards a potential NATO membership for Ukraine, stating, “This bridge involves helping Ukraine develop the capabilities it needs for its security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.”

Biden aims to bolster Ukrainian air defense capabilities

The treaty is set to underline that “our support will extend well into the future […] particularly in the realms of defense and security,” Sullivan announced. He emphasized that if Russian President Vladimir Putin believes he can outmaneuver the alliance in supporting Ukraine, then he is mistaken. While Sullivan refrained from commenting on reports suggesting the US intends to provide Ukraine with an additional “Patriot” missile defense system, he highlighted that one of Biden’s top priorities is to supply Ukraine with more air defense systems.

The announcement of the agreement was met with enthusiasm in Kiev. Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian Presidential Office, expressed, “We have come a long way in our collaboration with the US, and the entire team has put in tremendous effort to make this forthcoming agreement possible.”

This bilateral security agreement between the US and Ukraine marks a significant step in consolidating Ukraine’s defenses and sovereignty. It highlights the commitment of both nations to fostering stability in the region and ensuring the security of Ukraine against external threats. As the signing of the pact approaches, it sets the stage for enhanced cooperation and strategic partnerships between the two countries in the realm of defense and security.