EU unveils security guarantees details for Ukraine, highlighting nine priorities
EU provides details of security guarantees for Ukraine (mil.gov.ua)
Representatives of the Ministry of Defense and the European Union discussed long-term security guarantees for Ukraine on Tuesday, December 5, the press service of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine reports.
Reportedly, representatives of the European External Action Service arrived in Kyiv to begin consultations on a security guarantee package for Ukraine on behalf of the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell.
The areas of long-term EU assistance were presented by Charles Fries, Assistant Secretary-General for the Common Security and Defense Policy of the European External Action Service, during talks with the Ukrainian delegation headed by Deputy Defense Minister Yurii Dzhyhyr.
The package for Ukraine includes nine priorities for future EU security commitments to Ukraine:
- assistance with military hardware and equipment;
- training of the Ukrainian military;
- cooperation with the Ukrainian defense industry;
- countering cyber and hybrid threats;
- assistance in demining;
- implementation of reforms related to the EU accession process;
- strengthening the ability to control weapons stockpiles;
- support for nuclear security efforts;
- intelligence sharing, including satellite imagery.
Fries also emphasizes that the EU "is trying to ensure that assistance to Ukraine is provided as quickly as it is needed."
Security Guarantees for Ukraine
As a reminder, Ukraine has repeatedly stated the need for Western countries to provide it with security guarantees. This is necessary to prevent Russia from attacking Ukraine's membership in NATO again.
In July, at the NATO summit, the G7 countries signed a joint declaration of support for Ukraine. It provides for long-term security and economic support. Dozens of countries have already joined the document.
At the same time, Ukraine has started bilateral negotiations on security guarantees with several countries. These include the United States, Britain, France, Italy, Germany, Japan, and Sweden.
Last week, the EU's chief of diplomacy announced that proposals on security guarantees for Ukraine would be presented in Kyiv.
On December 4, Ukraine and the European Union held the first round of consultations on collective security guarantees. It was attended by Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Ihor Zhovkva and Deputy Head of EU Diplomacy Charles Fries.
