5 months ago
22
US President Biden and
Ukraine
President Zelenskyy signed a 10-year bilateral security
agreement
on Thursday aimed at bolstering Ukraine's
defence
against Russian invaders. The agreement, signed on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Italy, is meant to be a step towards Ukraine's eventual
Nato
membership, according to the text of the deal. "The parties recognise this agreement as supporting a bridge to Ukraine's eventual membership in the Nato alliance," the text says.
Zelenskyy has long sought Nato membership but the allies have stopped short of taking that step.
The Western alliance regards any attack launched on one of its 32 members as an attack on all under its Article Five clause. In the event of an armed attack or threat of such against Ukraine, top US and Ukrainian officials will meet within 24 hours to consult on a response and determine what additional defence needs are required for Ukraine, the agreement says.
Under the agreement, the US restates its support for Ukraine's defence of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, amid a renewed push by Russia on Ukraine's eastern front.
"To ensure Ukraine's security, both sides recognise Ukraine needs a significant military force, robust capabilities, and sustained investments in its defense industrial base that are consistent with Nato standards," the text says. "The US 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," it says. reuters
