Tokyo, Japan – G7 nations are expected to endorse a far-reaching security arrangement with Ukraine during the NATO summit on Wednesday. The agreement encompasses provisions for defense equipment, comprehensive training programs, and intelligence sharing to bolster Ukraine’s security and stability.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed confidence that this agreement would send a powerful and resolute message to Russian President Putin. As concerns mount over Russia’s aggression, the G7’s commitment to Ukraine’s long-term security assumes paramount significance.
Prime Minister Sunak emphasized the necessity of fortifying formal arrangements that protect Ukraine against future vulnerabilities and prevent a recurrence of the brutality inflicted by Russia. He underscored the importance of supporting Ukraine’s pathway to NATO membership and implementing bilateral and multilateral arrangements with other NATO members. By doing so, G7 nations aim to signal their unwavering solidarity with Ukraine and restore peace to Europe.
The United Kingdom played a pivotal role in spearheading this agreement, collaborating closely with G7 partners such as Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States. While more details are expected to emerge on Wednesday, the G7’s collective efforts signify a significant stride toward ensuring Ukraine’s long-term security.
US President Joe Biden, drawing from his country’s accord with Israel, suggested a similar model for Ukraine. The United States has committed to providing $3.8 billion in annual military aid to Israel over a decade. However, unlike NATO membership, this agreement does not entail an obligation to come to the aid of the target nation in the event of an attack.
The G7’s announcement follows NATO’s recent declaration that Ukraine may join the military alliance “when allies agree and conditions are met.” President Zelensky has criticized NATO’s reluctance to provide a specific timeline, deeming the delay “absurd.”
While Ukraine acknowledges its inability to join NATO while engaged in conflict with Russia, it remains eager to pursue membership as soon as hostilities cease. President Zelensky, addressing a crowd in Lithuania’s capital, stated that NATO would enhance Ukraine’s security while also bolstering the alliance itself.
As a poignant symbol, President Zelensky presented a battle flag from the devastated city of Bakhmut, which witnessed one of the longest and potentially bloodiest battles during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Earlier, President Zelensky expressed his concerns via Twitter, highlighting that uncertainty weakens Ukraine’s position and suggesting that the absence of an agreed timeframe could turn his country’s eventual membership into a bargaining chip.
While NATO refrained from specifying the timing and conditions for Ukraine’s membership, diplomats stressed that they had outlined a clear pathway to accession, significantly streamlining the arduous application process. Diplomats acknowledged the increasing “interoperability” and political integration of Ukraine’s army with NATO forces. They pledged to continue supporting reforms aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s democracy and security sector.
One notable development is the establishment of a new NATO-Ukraine Council, which will convene for the first time on Wednesday, granting Ukraine the right to convene meetings of the entire alliance. Nevertheless, the absence of a defined timescale is perceived as a setback for Ukraine.
Several member states harbor concerns that Ukraine’s near-automatic membership could incentivize Russia to escalate and prolong the war. Consequently, attention now turns to the long-term security guarantees that NATO members can offer Ukraine as an alternative to immediate membership.
Historically, Western security assurances have failed to deter two Russian invasions. NATO allies hope that this time, the security guarantees will be robust and explicit enough to dissuade the Kremlin from further aggression by imposing significant costs.
The Vilnius summit commenced a day after Turkey withdrew its opposition to Sweden’s accession to the military alliance. Turkey had previously impeded Sweden’s application, accusing it of harboring Kurdish militants. Sweden will now become the 32nd member of NATO following Finland’s recent membership in April. Both countries expressed their intention to join NATO in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Additionally, a series of military packages for Ukraine were announced during the summit on Tuesday. An alliance of 11 nations will commence training Ukrainian pilots to operate US-made F-16 fighter jets at a center to be established in Romania in August. This development marks a significant milestone as Ukraine seeks to transition from its current fleet of Soviet-era aircraft.
While experts caution that the training of Ukrainian pilots to operate Western jets will require time, the initiative represents a substantial leap forward in terms of Ukraine’s military capabilities. The United States has already authorized its Western allies to supply Ukraine with advanced jets, including the long-desired F-16s.
In tandem with the G7 security pact, the United Kingdom has unveiled plans to deliver over 70 combat and logistics vehicles to Ukraine, bolstering its counteroffensive operations.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday night, Russia initiated a series of kamikaze drone attacks targeting Kyiv and its surrounding region for the second consecutive night. Ukraine’s military reported no immediate casualties or significant damage.
