Ukraine and EU may sign security agreement today
Ursula von der Leyen, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Charles Michel (Getty Images)
Today, June 27, the European Union may sign a security agreement with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The bloc will pledge to continue supplying weapons, military training, and other assistance to Kyiv for many years, according to Reuters.
The agreement will set out the EU's commitments to assist Ukraine in nine areas of security and defense policy, including arms supplies, military training, defense industry cooperation, and demining.
Zelenskyy is expected to sign the pact at the EU leaders' summit in Brussels.
Details of the agreement
The pact is intended to complement similar agreements concluded between Ukraine and its allies.
In the event of future aggression, the document says, the EU and Ukraine intend to consult within 24 hours on Kyiv's needs and "swiftly determine" further steps in accordance with the commitments.
The document is part of a broader effort by Ukraine's partners to provide assurances that they will support Kyiv for the long term, as the war is not ending and Ukraine's accession to the EU or NATO is not expected soon.
Countries such as the United States, Britain, France, and Germany have signed security pacts with Kyiv.
According to officials, these agreements are not like a mutual defense pact between NATO states but are commitments to provide Ukraine with weapons and other assistance to strengthen its own security and deter any future invasion.
Michel's letter
President of the European Council, Charles Michel, recently invited Council members, informing them that on June 27, he will have an exchange with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The meeting is scheduled for 2 pm (3 pm Kyiv time).
"This will be an opportunity to discuss the situation on the ground, but also take note of some achievements since our last meeting," Michel said.
Security commitments
On June 19, the President's Office announced that the text of the agreement on security assurances with the EU had been finalized. The signing of this agreement will be another important step towards strengthening the security of Ukraine. The country has already concluded similar agreements with more than ten other countries.
The agreements signed with Ukraine are united by a number of common provisions. All of them express support for Ukraine in the ongoing military conflict, readiness to provide assistance in various areas, and aid in its European integration and accession to NATO.
At the same time, each of the partner countries has made individual commitments that correspond to its capabilities.
Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib said that the EU Council had approved a security agreement with Ukraine.
