Security agreement with Germany
On February 16, during Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to Germany, a bilateral agreement on security cooperation was signed, following the G7 declaration on “security guarantees” for Ukraine. “For as long as it takes. President Zelensky and I signed an agreement today on our long-term security commitments – a historic step. Germany will continue to support Ukraine in the face of the Russian war of aggression. Slava Ukraini.” Scholz wrote on social media X.
The Office of the President has released the text of the security cooperation agreement signed by Ukraine and Germany in Berlin last Friday. The agreement, available on the President’s website, is divided into eight sections. However, it does not include explicit mentions of security assurances or commitments, which Ukraine has been emphasising in its discussions with partners. Rather, the agreement focuses on security cooperation. According to the agreement, Germany pledges to offer steadfast support to Ukraine as needed, aiding in defence and territorial integrity restoration and ensuring a free and democratic future for Ukraine.
Germany also commits to providing ongoing security and military support to Ukraine for the duration of the 10-year agreement. Additionally, the country pledges continued support for Ukraine’s reform efforts, with Ukraine agreeing to prioritise reforms outlined for EU accession. Comprehensive reform is deemed essential for Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations and future security.
In the event of a Russian armed attack on Ukraine, consultations within 24 hours will be held upon request of any party to the agreement to determine necessary actions. Germany confirms its commitment to providing Ukraine with rapid and steady security assistance, including modern military equipment and economic support. Germany will also seek consensus within the EU on imposing economic sanctions on Russia and consult with Ukraine on its need to exercise its right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
Regarding Ukraine’s EU accession, Germany pledges to continue supporting Ukraine’s path to membership and offering practical guidance.
Additionally, during a press conference with President Volodymyr Zelensky, Chancellor Olaf Scholz of the Federal Republic of Germany revealed that Germany is in the process of assembling a new military aid package for Ukraine, totalling one billion euros.
“We are currently finalising a new assistance package, amounting to 1,1 billion euros,” stated the chancellor. “This comprehensive package includes 36 armoured and wheeled howitzers sourced from industrial stocks, along with 120,000 units of ammunition. Additionally, it comprises 2 Skynes systems, an anti-aircraft artillery complex, and IRIS-T missiles.”
Security agreement with France
After departing from Germany, Ukraine’s President travelled to France, where President Volodymyr Zelensky and French leader Emmanuel Macron signed a security cooperation agreement. “I want to convey our long-term commitment to supporting Ukraine. This support will be as strong as it was at the beginning of the invasion. It will only grow stronger. In this spirit, we signed the security cooperation agreement,” Macron said after signing the treaty. He mentioned that the document specifies commitments made at the NATO Summit in Vilnius in July 2023.
“Our support is not only long-term but also collective, as the United Kingdom and Germany have already signed. This aligns with the path taken by all G7 countries and then 25 others,” added the French president. President Zelensky described the security agreement with France as “ambitious and substantive,” although not all details can be openly discussed at present. Deputy Head of the Office of the President Igor Zhovkva clarified that the document followed four rounds of bilateral negotiations, numerous consultations, and phone calls. He also highlighted that the security agreement with France offers several “competitive advantages.”
France has announced the provision of three billion euros in military aid to Ukraine throughout 2024. French President Emmanuel Macron stated during a joint press conference with Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris that as part of the agreement, France plans to allocate 6 billion euros for military needs for the period 2022-2024 (presumably a typo in the years). Macron emphasised that France will continue to assist in providing military equipment, cooperation in defence industries, training, and intelligence. He added that France is prepared to go further, even if it means disrupting certain habits and comfort zones. President Zelensky clarified that the three billion euros from France are specifically for the year 2024. “Three billion euros for this year is a significant result. I want to personally thank you for this,” he said.
Other important agreements
In just a few weeks, Ukraine is set to ink a bilateral agreement with Norway on security assurances, aligning with the G7 framework declaration. This announcement came during discussions at the Munich Security Conference on February 16, as reported by the Norwegian publication Nettavisen, where Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre conveyed Norway’s commitment to finalising an agreement affirming support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and its right to self-defence. Støre highlighted that other North European countries will also independently negotiate similar agreements in due time. The aim is to cement an accord solidifying Norway’s backing of Ukraine’s independence and its inherent right to self-preservation. The Prime Minister stressed the crucial principle that peace for Ukraine is unattainable without respecting Ukraine’s sovereignty. Furthermore, he expressed confidence that such agreements would further integrate Ukraine into NATO, noting the growing trend of NATO nations entering into bilateral security pacts with Ukraine.
On February 17, President Volodymyr Zelensky held a meeting with Prime Minister Mark Rutte of the Netherlands, as announced on his Telegram channel. During the meeting, Zelensky provided Rutte with a comprehensive briefing on the current frontline situation. Discussions centred on enhancing defence support for Ukraine, including the necessity for air defence systems and artillery. Zelensky also highlighted the productive efforts of both teams in advancing the bilateral security agreement project. Describing the encounter as consistently constructive and substantive, President Zelensky reiterated his appreciation for the Netherlands’ pivotal role. He specifically praised their involvement in training pilots in Romania and facilitating the transfer of F-16 fighter jets, underscoring the importance of such collaborations for Ukraine.
