U.S. signs historic defense pact with Ukraine

"Our goal is to strengthen Ukraine's credible defence and deterrence capabilities for the long term," stated USA President Joe Biden on Thursday after signing a bilateral security agreement with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The meeting between the two leaders took place in Italy during the ongoing G7 summit, where Zelensky is a guest. The purpose of the agreement is to bolster Ukraine's defense against Russia and move Ukraine closer to NATO membership.

Zelensky declared that the signing of the bilateral security agreement is "a truly historic day".

"The agreement contains a very detailed, legally binding part and this means the credibility of American support for Ukrainian independence. The security commitments from the United States are based on defence support not only for the duration of this war, but also for the period of peace afterwards. And it will definitely ensure peace," he added.

According to Reuters, the agreement specifies that in the event of an armed attack or threat of such an attack on Ukraine, the highest officials from both countries will meet within 24 hours to consult on a response and determine any additional defense needs for Ukraine. "The agreement also outlines plans for the development of the Ukrainian defence industry and the expansion of the armed forces," reports Reuters.

"The security agreements that Ukraine signs, although presented in Kyiv as security guarantee documents, are actually a political declaration, an intention to continue financial and military support for the Ukrainian state in the face of the threat from Russia," explained Adam Eberhardt, deputy director of the Eastern Europe Study Center at the University of Warsaw.

The expert notes that the details of the exact scope of cooperation are still unknown.

"What appears in media speculations is the promise of supporting Ukraine also in the longer term, in the event of potential renewed Russian aggression sometime later. But it is very difficult to assess to what extent what we hear about this document reflects reality and to what extent it is also a certain element of Ukrainian PR," notes Eberhardt.

So far, Ukraine has signed similar bilateral agreements with 15 other countries, including the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. A similar agreement was signed with Japan on Thursday. In this case, Ukraine will receive support in the field of security and defense, including the provision of "non-lethal equipment and materials," as well as the "treatment of injured Ukrainian soldiers."

"Of course, the signing of such an agreement with the United States has the greatest weight due to the American potential and the scope of support from this country. It is also a certain attempt at actions by the method of accomplished facts in the United States, in the context of potential turbulence that may occur as a result of the presidential elections in November," points out Eberhardt.

This concerns a possible change in the office of the President of the USA. Joe Biden could be replaced by Donald Trump, who is more skeptical about aiding Ukraine.

"But we know well that what will decide in this long-term dimension is a certain political dynamic in individual countries. It is hard to expect that the next President of the United States, or any other leader who signed such an agreement with Ukraine, will be excessively bound by it. These are political declarations, and they should be understood as such," concludes Eberhardt.

"Such agreements also impact the morale of Ukrainians, who know that the support of the United States is still there. This is a confirmation, especially in the context of fears of a potential Donald Trump presidency," believes General Roman Polko, former commander of the GROM Special Unit and former deputy head of the BBN.

In his opinion, regarding support for Ukraine, the key is not individual pieces of equipment, but long-term cooperation.

"The elements of mutual relations, access to certain technologies, and training are more critical and have greater significance than sending one more helicopter or aircraft. All this is to ensure that Ukraine, after pushing the aggressor out of its own country, which will probably take some time, builds a foundation to maintain the independence it fought for," emphasizes Roman Polko.