Is This the Right Move? America Commits to Decade of Military Support for Ukraine

The United States and Ukraine are set to sign a bilateral security agreement during the G7 summit, which will take place in Italy from June 13 to 15, as announced by the White House. The U.S. plans to establish a long-term security support system for Ukraine through this agreement, but it’s reported that a binding mutual defense treaty like NATO will not be signed.

Jake Sullivan, the National Security Advisor, announced on June 12 that President Joe Biden and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will hold a summit on June 13 and sign a bilateral security agreement. Sullivan explained that the security agreement promises ongoing U.S. support, especially in defense and security.

CNN reported that this agreement resulted in months of negotiations between the U.S. and Ukraine. It is also expected that the U.S. will promise ongoing training, cooperation in weapons and military equipment production, military support, and information sharing with the Ukrainian military for the next decade.

Sullivan stated, “We will send a signal to Russia about our resolve through the signing of the agreement,” adding, “If Vladimir Putin thinks he can outlast the alliance supporting Ukraine, he is mistaken.” He also revealed that 15 countries, including the U.K., France, and Germany, have already signed long-term security agreements with Ukraine.

However, according to CNN, this agreement does not necessarily bind future U.S. administrations. This means that the way the U.S. supports Ukraine could change depending on the results of the U.S. elections in November.

Former President Donald Trump has not clarified whether he will continue to support Ukraine if he is re-elected. He has stated that he will quickly end the war through negotiations and has also threatened not to protect Europe from Russia and others if European countries do not increase their defense spending. Zelenskyy welcomed the bilateral security agreement, but emphasized, “This agreement cannot replace becoming a full NATO member with a mutual defense treaty.”