The G7 nations are preparing to endorse a long-term security agreement with Ukraine during the upcoming NATO summit on Wednesday. The agreement encompasses provisions for defense equipment, training programs, and intelligence sharing. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak emphasized that this agreement would send a resolute message to Russian President Putin. The move follows Ukrainian President Zelensky's criticism of NATO's hesitation in providing a specific timeline for Ukraine's accession to the alliance.
Prime Minister Sunak further stated that the allies of Kyiv are intensifying their "formal arrangements to safeguard Ukraine in the long run." He added, "We cannot allow a recurrence of the events witnessed in Ukraine, and this declaration reaffirms our commitment to ensuring that it never remains vulnerable to the kind of brutality inflicted by Russia." The Prime Minister emphasized the significance of supporting Ukraine's "pathway to NATO membership" through "formal, multilateral, and bilateral arrangements," which will convey a clear message to President Putin and contribute to restoring peace in Europe.
The United Kingdom, along with G7 partners Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States, played a leading role in formulating this agreement. More comprehensive details are anticipated to be disclosed on Wednesday. US President Joe Biden previously suggested a model for Ukraine similar to the agreement between the United States and Israel. Under this framework, Washington has committed to providing $3.8 billion annually for a decade to support Ukraine's military capabilities. However, unlike NATO membership, this arrangement does not include an obligation to aid the target nation during times of attack.
The G7's announcement comes after NATO's statement that Ukraine could join the military alliance "when allies agree and conditions are met." President Zelensky expressed his discontent with the "absurd" delay. While Kyiv acknowledges that it cannot join NATO while engaged in the conflict with Russia, it aims to become a member as soon as possible once the fighting ceases.
During his address in Lithuania's capital, President Zelensky declared, "NATO will provide security to Ukraine, and Ukraine will make the alliance stronger." He also presented a battle flag from the devastated city of Bakhmut, which witnessed one of the longest and potentially bloodiest battles in Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Zelensky had previously tweeted about the detrimental effects of uncertainty and highlighted the risk of Ukraine's eventual membership becoming a bargaining chip without a defined timeframe.
NATO representatives emphasized that while they did not specify the timing and method of Ukraine's accession, they outlined a clear path to membership by significantly shortening the demanding application process. They recognized the increasing interoperability and political integration of Ukraine's armed forces with NATO, pledging to continue supporting reforms in Ukraine's democracy and security sector. Additionally, a newly established NATO-Ukraine Council, convening for the first time on Wednesday, grants Kyiv the authority to convene meetings of the entire alliance.
Nonetheless, the absence of a timeframe is viewed as a setback for Ukraine. There are concerns among certain member states that granting Ukraine almost automatic membership could potentially provide Russia with an incentive to escalate the conflict and extend its duration.
The Vilnius summit commenced shortly after Turkey withdrew its opposition to Sweden's entry into the military alliance. Turkey had previously obstructed Sweden's application, accusing it of harboring Kurdish militants. With Turkey's objection resolved, Sweden is set to become the 32nd member of NATO, following Finland, which joined in April. Both countries expressed their intention to join NATO in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Furthermore, a series of military packages for Ukraine were announced during the summit. An alliance of 11 nations will commence training Ukrainian pilots to operate US-manufactured F-16 fighter jets at a facility scheduled to be established in Romania in August. In May, the United States authorized its Western allies to supply Ukraine with advanced jets, including the highly sought-after F-16s, which will serve as a significant upgrade from the country's current fleet of Soviet-era aircraft. However, experts anticipate that training Ukrainian pilots to fly and handle Western jets will take time.
In addition to the G7 security pact, the United Kingdom revealed plans to deliver over 70 combat and logistics vehicles to Ukraine, with the aim of bolstering its counteroffensive operations. Meanwhile, Russia launched a series of kamikaze drone attacks on Kyiv and its surrounding region for the second consecutive night on Tuesday. Ukraine's military reported no immediate casualties or significant damage.