Ukraine, U.S. sign bilateral security agreement

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Joe Biden have signed a ten-year bilateral security agreement that envisages support for Ukraine now and in the long term in order to strengthen the country's ability to fend off potential future aggression.

The two leaders signed the agreement on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Italy on Thursday, Ukrinform reports, citing Reuters.

"To ensure Ukraine's security, both sides recognize Ukraine needs a significant military force, robust capabilities, and sustained investments in its defense industrial base that are consistent with North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) standards," the text of the agreement says.

Under the agreement, the United States restates its support for Ukraine's defense of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, amid a renewed push by Russia on Ukraine's eastern front.

In addition, the parties recognize this agreement "as supporting a bridge to Ukraine's eventual membership in the NATO alliance."

In the event of an armed attack or threat of such against Ukraine, top U.S. and Ukrainian officials will meet within 24 hours to consult on a response and determine what additional defense needs are required for Ukraine, the agreement says.

Furthermore, the United States intends to provide long-term materiel, training and advising, sustainment, intelligence, security, defense industrial, institutional, and other support to develop Ukrainian security and defense forces that are capable of defending a sovereign, independent, democratic Ukraine and deterring future aggression, the agreement says.

Archival photo: Office of the President of Ukraine