At a summit in Brussels on Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed security agreements with the European Union and two of its member states, Lithuania and Estonia.
The agreement with the EU outlines the bloc’s commitment to assist Ukraine in nine key areas of security and defense policy. These areas include arms deliveries, military training, defense industry cooperation, and demining operations.
This pact, along with the documents signed with Lithuania and Estonia, is designed to complement similar agreements between Ukraine and its allies as the country continues to defend against Russia’s invasion.
Countries such as the United States, Britain, France, and Germany have already established similar agreements with Kyiv. Officials emphasize that these agreements are not equivalent to NATO’s mutual defense pact but are pledges to supply Ukraine with weapons and other support to enhance its security and deter future invasions.
Zelensky’s visit to Brussels comes shortly after the EU announced it would begin formal membership negotiations with Ukraine. During his visit, he is scheduled to meet with some of Ukraine’s strongest supporters amidst the ongoing Russian invasion.
“We will sign three security agreements, including one with the EU as a whole,” Zelensky stated in a post on X.
“For the first time, this agreement will formalize the commitment of all 27 Member States to provide Ukraine with extensive support, regardless of any internal institutional changes,” he added.