Zelensky and Biden want to conclude defense deals

Ukraine has already signed defense agreements with 15 states. Now the US is following suit. The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the G7 summit. The US talks about a “bridge” to potential NATO membership.

The US and Ukraine want to sign a bilateral defense agreement. US National Security Adviser Jack Sullivan made the announcement on his flight to the G7 summit in Italy. According to U.S. sources, the deal includes arms supplies and support to Ukraine, but no U.S. military forces. 15 countries have already concluded relevant agreements with Ukraine. The US government's negotiations with Kiev have now concluded. US President Joe Biden and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky are expected to sign the deal on Thursday.

Sullivan called the deal with Kiev a “bridge” to possible NATO membership for Ukraine: “That bridge helps Ukraine build the capabilities it needs for its own security and its sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

Biden wants to strengthen Ukrainian air defenses

Sullivan announced that the agreement would make it clear that “our support will expand in the future (…) especially in the areas of defense and security”. If Russian President Vladimir Putin thinks he can surprise the coalition into supporting Ukraine, he is wrong. Sullivan did not comment on media reports that the U.S. wants to supply Ukraine with another “Patriot” anti-aircraft system. However, one of Biden's top priorities is to provide Ukraine with more air defense systems.

Kiev welcomed the announcement of the agreement. “We have come a long way in our cooperation with the United States, and the entire team has done a great job to make this future agreement possible,” said Andriy Yermak, head of the Office of the President of Ukraine.