US, Ukraine Ink 10-Year Historic Security Deal

(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) WASHINGTON, June 13 (KUNA) -- US President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy signed Thursday the long-awaited US-Ukraine Bilateral Security Agreement to boost Ukraine's security and military capabilities.
"Today, the United States is sending a powerful signal of our strong support for Ukraine now and into the future," the White House said in a statement.
"Through this agreement, the United States will work with our partners to strengthen Ukraine's ability to defend itself now and to deter future aggression. By doing so, we will bolster Ukraine's security, which is central to European security and to American security."
The US-Ukraine security agreement commits US support to Ukraine for the next decade, including military training, intelligence sharing and weapons assistance.
The statement added that President Biden is stating unequivocally that United States and its partners will stand with Ukraine as it fights for its freedom and for the principles enshrined in the UN Charter.
With the signing of this 10-year agreement, the United States and Ukraine will work together to: Build and maintain Ukraine's credible defense and deterrence capability.
The agreement lays out a vision for a Ukrainian future force that is strong, sustainable, and resilient. The United States and Ukraine will deepen security and defense cooperation and collaborating closely with Ukraine's broad network of security partners.
"We will support the full range of Ukraine's current defensive needs now and over the long term by helping Ukraine win the war and strengthening its deterrence capabilities against future threats."
"Together, we will expand intelligence sharing, enhance interoperability between our militaries in line with NATO standards, and work with our allies and partners to position Ukraine as a long-term contributor to European security," added the statement.
The agreement also will strengthen Ukraine's capacity to sustain its fight over the long term, including by building on efforts to bolster in Ukraine's defense industrial base, and supporting its economic recovery and energy security.
It will also accelerate Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic integration, including through Ukraine's implementation of reforms to its democratic, economic, and security institutions in line with its EU accession goals and NATO's program of reforms.
The White noted that the deals aims to achieve a just peace that respects Ukraine's rights under international law, is underwritten by broad global support, upholds the key principles of the UN Charter, including sovereignty and territorial integrity, and includes accountability for Russia's actions.
Consult in the event of a future Russian armed attack against Ukraine at the highest levels to determine appropriate and necessary measures to support Ukraine and impose costs on Russia.
"This agreement, together with the mutually reinforcing security agreements and arrangements Ukraine has signed with a broad network of partners under the G7 Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine, is a key part of Ukraine's bridge to NATO membership," concluded the statement. (end)
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