Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that his country signed two separate 10-year security agreements with the United States and Japan at the 50th G7 summit in Puglia, Italy.
US and Ukraine ink 10-year security agreement
U.S. President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have signed a 10-year bilateral security agreement that includes “squadrons” of fighter jets, including F-16s to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities and deter future aggression. The agreement focuses on enhancing Ukraine’s credible defense and deterrence capabilities.
“Our goal is to strengthen Ukraine’s credible defense and deterrence capabilities for the long term,” Biden said after the signing.
“A lasting peace for Ukraine must be underwritten by Ukraine’s own ability to defend itself now, and to deter future aggression anytime in the future,” the president continued, adding that the U.S. is going to help ensure Ukraine can do both.
Under the agreement, the United States and Ukraine will collaborate over the next decade to develop and uphold Ukraine’s robust defense and deterrence capabilities, enhance its ability to sustain long-term resistance efforts, expedite its integration into Euro-Atlantic institutions, and engage in consultations in case of any future Russian military aggression against Ukraine.
Zelenskyy thanks US, Japan for ‘historic’ security pacts
Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy thanked the leaders of the United States and Japan for security agreements.
Ukrainian leader signed a 10-year security agreement with Japan’s prime minister Fumio Kishia. The deal will see Japan release $4.5 billion (€4.1 billion) to Ukraine this year to fund security and defense, humanitarian aid and technical cooperation.
“We have brought our relations with Japan to a level that not many European countries have. Ukraine really appreciates this. We work together in the security, political, and economic spheres. We are also interested in Ukraine and Japan being close partners in reconstruction, in restoring normal life for our people. And it will be so,” Zelenskyy said.
Only strong defense can ensure lasting peace
Biden emphasized that achieving a lasting peace for Ukraine is tied to its ability to defend itself and deter future threats. He noted that the pact is rooted in the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, aligning with the UN charter. The agreement envisions a “just peace” that holds Russia accountable for the damage caused during the ongoing conflict.
G7 agrees $50 billion loan for Ukraine from frozen Russian assets
A key development at the G7 summit was the decision to release $50 billion from the $280 billion in frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine’s war efforts and economic recovery.
“This week, the G7 signed a plan to finalize and unlock $50 billion in the proceeds of those frozen assets, to put that money to work for Ukraine [as] a reminder to [Russian President Vladimir] Putin we’re not backing down,” Biden said.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan called the funds “a crucial resource for Ukraine” during a critical time.
Sanctioning countries supporting Russia
In addition to the security pact and asset release, the G7 agreed to impose sanctions on countries aiding Russia’s war efforts. Biden described these collective actions as a powerful foundation for Ukraine’s success, demonstrating a unified international stance against Russian aggression.
Russia condemns release of frozen assets
Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the release of frozen assets, labeling it as “theft” and promised it would not go unpunished. The legality of seizing Russian assets to aid Ukraine remains contentious under international law, but the symbolic act represents a significant step in holding Russia accountable.