Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Joe Biden signed a historic bilateral security deal at the G7 summit in Italy, marking a significant step in the ongoing conflict with Russia. The agreement includes US military and training aid to Ukraine, but does not involve sending troops to fight on behalf of the country.
In addition to the security deal, the G7 has agreed to use frozen Russian assets to raise $50 billion for Ukraine to support its war effort and economy. This move is seen as a long-term solution to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities and deterrence against Russian aggression.
US President Joe Biden emphasized that the loan will send a strong message to Russian President Vladimir Putin that the international community stands united in support of Ukraine. The $50 billion fund will be used for various purposes, including military support, budget assistance, humanitarian aid, and reconstruction efforts.
While the loan is a significant financial boost for Ukraine, it is not expected to have an immediate impact on the current course of the war. Ukraine is still in urgent need of more weapons, particularly air defense systems and F-16 fighter jets to counter Russian missile and drone attacks.
The G7’s decision to use frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine has drawn strong criticism from Moscow, which has threatened “extremely painful” retaliatory measures. Despite the symbolic significance of the loan deal, it is unlikely to force Russia to change its stance on the conflict in Ukraine.
Overall, the signing of the bilateral security deal and the agreement to raise $50 billion for Ukraine demonstrate the international community’s commitment to standing with Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.