Late last week, the Ukraine President Zelenskyy and US President Biden signed a 10-year bilateral security agreement that is aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s defence against invading Russia. According to the agreement, which was signed in Italy on the margin of the G7 summit, it is meant to be one step towards eventual Nato membership of Ukraine. “The parties view this agreement as supporting a bridge to Ukraine’s eventual membership in the Nato alliance,” reads the text.
For long Zelenskyy has sought Nato membership but his allies have stopped short. Any attack on any of NATO’s 32 members is treated as an attack against all under its Article Five clause.
In case there is an armed attack or threat thereof against Ukraine, top officials from USA and Ukraine will meet within 24 hours to consult on a response and determine what additional defense needs are required for Ukraine, says the pact.
Under this pact, United States reiterates its support for Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity as Russia increases its pressures along its eastern flank.
“The two sides concur that there is urgent need for a significant military force in order to ensure security in Ukraine with capabilities that are strong enough and sustained investment in defense industrial base consistent with NATO standards,” states the text. “The US hereby intends to furnish Long-Term Materiel; Training & Advisory Support (LTMTAS); Sustainment; Intelligence; Security; Defense Industrial/ Institutional/ Other Support (DIS); for developing Ukrainian Security & Defense Forces (USDF) capable of defending sovereign independent democratic Ukraine from future aggression”, it says. reuters
