US and Ukraine sign 'historic' 10-year security deal

President Biden (right) and President Zelensky signed a security agreement on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Italy on June 13.

On the sidelines of the G7 summit in Italy, US President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have just signed a 10-year security agreement between the two countries, which the Ukrainian leader called a historic day amid the war with Russia.

"We have signed the strongest agreement between Ukraine and the United States since independence. This is an agreement about security and therefore about protecting human lives. This is an agreement about cooperation and therefore about how our countries will become stronger. This is an agreement about steps to ensure lasting peace so it benefits everyone in the world," the White House statement quoted Mr. Zelensky as saying.

The deal would see the US provide Ukraine with a range of military aid and training over the next decade, while Mr Zelensky said it would act as a bridge to his country eventually gaining NATO membership.

In a joint press conference after signing the agreement, President Biden said the goal of both sides is to strengthen Ukraine's defense and credible deterrence capabilities over the long term.

He said the US would help Ukraine achieve that not by sending US troops to fight in Ukraine, but by providing weapons, ammunition, and sharing intelligence.

In addition, the US will continue to train Ukrainian soldiers at bases in Europe and the US, enhance interoperability between the two militaries in accordance with NATO standards, and invest in Ukraine's defense industrial base in a timely manner.

The United States will work with Ukraine's partners to build a strong, sustainable, and resilient future force, as well as support Ukraine's economic and energy recovery, according to President Biden.

The agreement also includes a provision that the US and Ukraine must consult within 24 hours “at the highest levels” if Ukraine comes under future armed attack by Russian forces.

According to President Zelensky, Ukraine is negotiating security agreements with 10 other countries. In addition, he said recently approved aid will help Ukraine conduct more frontline rotations.

Russia has not immediately commented on the above information.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/my-va-ukraine-ky-thoa-thuan-lich-su-ve-an-ninh-trong-10-nam-185240614070703265.htm