Ukraine Signs Bilateral Security Agreements with the USA and Japan
On the sidelines of the G7 Summit, Ukraine entered into two bilateral security agreements — with the United States of America and Japan. These documents were signed by the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, with the President of the USA, Joe Biden, and the Prime Minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida.
The bilateral security agreement with the USA provides for ongoing support for Ukraine in repelling Russian aggression and enhancing deterrence capabilities against potential future aggression in the long term. It is also seen as a step towards "Ukraine's future NATO membership."
"To ensure Ukraine's security, both sides recognize that Ukraine requires significant military strength, robust capabilities, and continuous investments in its defence-industrial base that align with NATO standards," the document states.
The agreement outlines the USA's intention to provide long-term material, training and advisory, technical, intelligence, security, defence-industrial, institutional, and other support to "develop Ukrainian security and defence forces capable of defending a sovereign, independent, democratic Ukraine and deterring future aggression."
"A durable peace for Ukraine must be guaranteed by Ukraine's ability to defend itself now and deter aggression in the future," said US President Joe Biden after the signing.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that this is an agreement on cooperation and about how the signatories will become stronger in the future.
Under the terms of the bilateral security agreement signed with Japan, the country will provide Ukraine with $4.5 billion during 2024 and support it throughout the 10-year term of the agreement.
"The signed agreement also enshrines security and defence assistance, cooperation in humanitarian, technical, and financial areas, joint work to implement the points of the Peace Formula, sanctions against the aggressor, and bringing them to justice. We appreciate that Japan will work with Ukraine for reconstruction and recovery," said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The agreement also includes sanctions against Russia and efforts to hold it accountable. The countries will cooperate on reconstruction and recovery issues.
"Japan is an obvious leader in Asia in defending international law and human life. Since the early days of this criminal Russian invasion, Japan has been with us, and this adds strength and opportunities for all of us," said Volodymyr Zelensky.
The President of Ukraine also thanked the Prime Minister of Japan for the support already provided and for participation in the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children. He noted that since March 2022, Japan has provided Ukraine with financial, humanitarian, and other aid amounting to over $12 billion.
It is worth noting that Japan and the USA have become the 15th and 16th countries with which Ukraine has signed bilateral security agreements.