Presidents Joe Biden and Volodymyr Zelensky signed a landmark US-Ukraine security deal on Thursday, as the US leader warned Russia’s Vladimir Putin they were “not backing down”.
Hailing the bilateral accord and a G7 deal for a $50 billion loan for Ukraine using frozen Russian funds, Biden said that they “collectively show Putin he cannot wait us out, he cannot divide us.”
Speaking on the development, Zelensky said the security deal with the United States was a “bridge” to NATO membership for his country.
The agreement states that America supports Ukraine’s future membership in NATO and recognises that our security agreement is a bridge to Ukraine’s membership in NATO,” Zelensky said at a G7 press conference with US President Joe Biden.
“The agreement is based on the following principles and beliefs shared by the Parties: Cooperation between the Parties is based on the principle of full respect for the independence and sovereignty of each of the Parties, and full respect for obligations of the Parties under international law and for the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.
Cooperation between the Parties is enhanced by their shared commitment to democracy, the rule of law, human rights, transparency, and accountability.
“Cooperation between the Parties is intended to bolster Euro-Atlantic security, stability, and prosperity by enhancing deterrence and defense integration and interoperability.
“The Parties’ cooperation in the areas of defense and security is based on their shared commitment to stability and peace in Europe.
“It is the policy of the Parties to work together to help deter and confront any future aggression against the territorial integrity of either Party. The security-related commitments in this Agreement are intended to support Ukraine’s efforts to win today’s war and deter future Russian military aggression. It is the policy of the United States to assist Ukraine in maintaining a credible defense and deterrence capability.
Any future aggression or threat of aggression against the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of either Party would be a matter of grave concern to the other Party.”
