In a historic move, President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have signed a 10-year bilateral security agreement. This pact is designed to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities and deter future aggression, reflecting a long-term commitment to regional stability and international peace.
Details of the Agreement
The agreement, signed at a high-profile event, focuses on several critical areas to bolster Ukraine’s defense and deterrence capabilities over the next decade. This includes:
- Building and maintaining Ukraine’s credible defense and deterrence capabilities.
- Strengthening Ukraine’s capacity to sustain its fight over the long term.
- Accelerating Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic integration.
- Consulting in the event of future Russian armed attacks against Ukraine.
“Our goal is to strengthen Ukraine’s credible defense and deterrence capability for the long term,” said President Biden.
“A lasting peace for Ukraine must be underwritten by Ukraine’s own ability to defend itself now and to deter future aggression anytime in the future.”
President Zelenskyy emphasized the significance of the agreement, stating,
“This pact solidifies our partnership with the United States and ensures that Ukraine can defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
Financial Support and Sanctions
In addition to the bilateral security agreement, the G7 has unlocked $50 billion in frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. This move aims to remind Russia that the international community stands firm against its aggression.
Financial Measures:
- Unlocking of $50 billion in frozen Russian assets.
- Sanctions on countries aiding Russia’s war efforts.
Key Elements of the Agreement:
- Long-term defense support.
- Euro-Atlantic integration.
During the signing ceremony, President Biden highlighted that the G7 recently achieved a “significant outcome” by freeing up some of the $280 billion in Russian assets frozen by G7 and European Union members following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in early 2022.
“I’m very pleased to share that, this week, the G7 signed a plan to finalize and unlock $50 billion in the proceeds of those frozen assets, to put that money to work for Ukraine [as] a reminder to [Russian President Vladimir] Putin we’re not backing down,”
Biden said.
“[The unlocking of the proceeds] has been something that the United States has put a lot of energy and effort into, because we see the proceeds from these assets as being a valuable source of resources for Ukraine at a moment when Russia continues to brutalize the country — not just through military action on the front, but through the attempted destruction of its energy grid and its economic vitality,”
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told reporters.
Broader Implications
The signing of this 10-year bilateral security agreement between the US and Ukraine marks a critical moment in ensuring long-term peace and stability in the region. As the international community continues to support Ukraine, this agreement underscores the importance of solidarity in the face of aggression.
In addition to the bilateral security agreement and the distribution of proceeds from unlocked Russian assets to Ukraine, Biden also mentioned that the G7 has taken a third “major step” in support of Ukraine by agreeing on sanctions against countries contributing to Russia’s war efforts.
“Collectively, this is a powerful set of actions,” Biden said.
“And it will create a stronger foundation for Ukraine’s success.”
What it Means
The 10-year bilateral security agreement between the US and Ukraine represents a significant step toward ensuring Ukraine’s defense and deterring future aggression.
This comprehensive pact, supported by substantial financial measures and international sanctions, highlights the unwavering commitment of the US and its allies to support Ukraine in maintaining its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
As the global community watches, this agreement sets a precedent for international cooperation and resilience against aggression.
Sources: THX News & US Department of Defense.
