EU Prepared Security Guarantees for Ukraine: Media Learned Details

Bloomberg has learned what long-term security commitments the European Union is ready to provide to Ukraine - the European Commission has already presented a draft decision to member states.

The draft document will be discussed by EU ambassadors this week, and by the leaders of the member states at the summit next month.

According to the agency, this draft will also form the basis for consultations between Kyiv and the G7 countries.

The G7 members agreed at the NATO summit in Vilnius to hold talks with Ukraine on bilateral security commitments aimed at deterring future Russian aggression.

For its part, Ukraine committed to continue a number of reforms, including in the law enforcement, judicial, security and defence sectors. Some of Kyiv's key allies are seeking to conclude bilateral agreements this year.

The EU framework document aims to build on these bilateral agreements and includes the following proposals:

A predictable, efficient, sustainable and long-term mechanism for providing military equipment to Ukraine that mobilises the European defence industry;

Provision of training for the Ukrainian armed forces;

Deepening cooperation with the Ukrainian defence industry to build capacity and harmonise standards;

Strengthening Ukraine's ability to counter cyber and hybrid threats and disinformation;

Supporting Ukraine's demining efforts and addressing contamination caused by explosive remnants;

Assisting Ukraine in implementing its reform programme related to its EU accession process, as well as strengthening its ability to control stockpiles of firearms, small arms and ammunition and counter any illicit trafficking;

Supporting the country's energy transition and nuclear security efforts;

Exchange of intelligence and satellite imagery.

The document states that support for the supply of weapons will continue to be provided through the so-called European Peace Fund, a mechanism that reimburses EU member states for the weapons they supply to Ukraine.

However, the EU's original plan to provide €20bn over four years to pay for weapons for Kyiv is at risk of falling through as some member states, including Germany, have been unable to agree on the terms, according to one EU diplomat.

Instead, member states are hoping to at least agree on €5 billion for next year, with commitments for further support after that, said the diplomat, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

As The Gaze previously reported, Cyprus became the 30th country to join the G7 declaration on security guarantees for Ukraine.

On 11-12 July, the G7 leaders' summit took place in Vilnius, where the heads of the European Council, European Commission and representatives of G7 countries supported the initiative of the Joint Declaration in Support of Ukraine. Each participating country pledged to cooperate with Ukraine by providing specific long-term security commitments.