Biden and Zelensky Sign 10-Year Security Agreement

U.S. President Joe Biden and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a 10-year bilateral security agreement aimed at bolstering Ukraine's defense against Russian invaders and getting Ukraine closer to NATO membership.

The deal, signed on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Italy, aims to commit future U.S. administrations to support Ukraine, even if former President Donald Trump wins November’s election, officials said.

"President Zelensky and I have just now signed that agreement between the United States and Ukraine. Our goal is to strengthen Ukraine's credible defense and deterrence capabilities for the long term," Biden said.

Speaking at a joint news conference with Biden after signing the agreement, Zelensky said Chinese President Xi Jinping told him during a phone conversation that China would not sell weapons to Russia.

"The issue of NATO is covered through the text of the agreement. It states that America supports Ukraine's future membership in NATO and recognises that our security agreement is a bridge to Ukraine's membership in NATO," Zelensky said.

The Ukraine president called the agreement "historic", saying it is a bridge toward his country's eventual NATO membership.

Zelensky has long sought NATO membership but the allies have stopped short of taking that step. The Western alliance regards any attack launched on one of its 32 members as an attack on all under its Article Five clause.

In the event of an armed attack or threat of such against Ukraine, top U.S. and Ukrainian officials will meet within 24 hours to consult on a response and determine what additional defense needs are required for Ukraine, the agreement says.

Under the agreement, the United States restates its support for Ukraine's defense of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, amid a renewed push by Russia on Ukraine's eastern front.