EU reveals draft of long-term security commitments for Ukraine
The European Union has drawn up commitments of long-term security support for Ukraine, assuring Kyiv of more arms deliveries, military training, defense industry cooperation, and demining, Reuters reported on May 13.
In the event of "future aggression," the EU and Ukraine intend to consult within 24 hours on Kyiv’s needs and "swiftly determine" the next steps in line with their commitments.
Brussels pledges to provide Ukraine with weapons and other aid to bolster its security and deter any future invasion, but officials stress that this is not the same as the mutual defense pact between NATO nations.
The commitments will "help Ukraine defend itself in the long term, deter acts of aggression and resist destabilization efforts," EU foreign affairs spokesperson Peter Stano said, adding that the EU's plan is intended both to reassure Ukraine and "give a strong signal to Russia that we will continue to support [Ukraine] with whatever it takes."
The document lists nine forms of security and defense aid that the EU will continue to provide, which will remain in effect "as Ukraine pursues its European path" and will be reviewed in 10 years at the latest.
It does not specify the value or quantity of future assistance, as exact details will have to be agreed separately among the member states, which also provide their own bilateral aid to Ukraine.
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The document notes the EU agreed to allocate 5 billion euros ($5.40 billion) to a fund for Ukraine military aid in 2024, but it stops short of pledging the same for the coming years.
Ukrainian bilateral diplomacy
In July 2023, G7 leaders announced that they agreed on a declaration on security guarantees for Ukraine.
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As of April, Ukraine has signed security agreements with nine counties: the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Denmark, Canada, Italy, the Netherlands, Finland, and Latvia.
Ukraine is also in negotiations for similar agreements with the United States, Norway, Estonia, Portugal, Spain, and other countries.
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