Ukraine Signs Bilateral Security Agreements with Germany and France, Securing Long-Term Support
Ukraine has taken a significant step towards securing long-term support from Western allies in its ongoing conflict with Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a bilateral security agreement with Germany and is set to sign another with France, marking a strong signal of solidarity and backing for Ukraine’s defense efforts. These agreements come nearly two years after Russia launched a full-scale war against Ukraine, pushing the country to seek support from its Western allies.
President Zelenskyy met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin to finalize the security agreement. Chancellor Scholz announced that Germany would provide an additional 1.1 billion-euro ($1.2 billion) package of military aid to Ukraine. This aid includes 36 howitzers, 120,000 rounds of artillery ammunition, and two more air-defense systems. Chancellor Scholz described the security accord as a “historic step,” emphasizing Germany’s intention to provide long-term military support to Ukraine’s security and defense forces.
The bilateral security agreement between Germany and Ukraine is valid for 10 years and highlights Germany’s commitment to ensuring a sustainable force capable of defending Ukraine and deterring future aggression. In the event of Russian aggression, Germany has pledged to provide swift and sustained security assistance and modern military equipment as needed. The agreement also emphasizes Ukraine’s commitment to implementing an ambitious reform program, which is crucial for its aspirations to join the European Union and NATO.
This agreement follows commitments made by the Group of Seven (G7) at a NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, in July. The G7, which includes Germany, France, and the U.K., pledged to provide weapons, military equipment, combat air power, and military training to support Ukraine’s army. President Zelenskyy is scheduled to attend the Munich Security Conference, where he plans to meet with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and other high-ranking officials to discuss further support for Ukraine.
While Germany has become the second-largest supplier of military aid to Ukraine after the U.S., President Zelenskyy is hopeful that the United States will continue its support. He believes that the majority of the American population supports Ukraine’s cause and expects a pragmatic American approach to protecting global security. European allies have been urging the U.S. Congress to approve a $60 billion aid package, which would primarily go towards manufacturing missiles, munitions, and other military hardware for Ukraine. However, the package is facing resistance from House Republicans.
President Zelenskyy’s visit to Berlin marks his third visit to Paris since the Russian invasion in February 2022. These bilateral security agreements with Germany and France signify a crucial step in Ukraine’s efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities and secure long-term support from its Western allies. As the conflict continues, Ukraine remains determined to defend its sovereignty and seek assistance from its allies in countering Russian aggression.
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