Biden and Zelensky sign a 10-year defense agreement

YEREVAN, JUNE 14, ARMENPRESS. U.S. President Joe Biden and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a 10-year bilateral security agreement on Thursday aimed at bolstering Ukraine's defense against Russia and getting Ukraine closer to NATO membership, Reuters reports.

The deal was signed on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Italy.

"Our goal is to strengthen Ukraine's credible defense and deterrence capabilities for the long term," Biden said at a joint news conference with Zelenskiy.

Under the agreement, the United States restates its support for Ukraine's defense of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. According to Reuters, it also outlines plans to develop Ukraine's own defense industry and expand its military. Besides, it will allow the two countries to share intelligence, hold training and military education programs and combined military and exercises.

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

During the G7 summit Ukraine also signed a 10-year security agreement with Japan. The agreement provides Kyiv with US$4.5 billion in 2024 and support for the next decade, the countries’ leaders said.

The group of rich nations also agreed to a $50 billion loan for Ukraine backed by profits from frozen Russian assets.