On June 13, 2024, Joe Biden and Volodymyr Zelensky signed a bilateral security agreement that outlines a ten-year plan to strengthen Ukraine’s defensive capability, and prepare Ukraine to meet the requirements for EU and NATO membership in the future. Fifteen other countries have signed similar agreements, including the UK, France, Denmark, Canada, and Japan, with whom the US will cooperate in Ukraine’s goals.

The agreement has five key points. 

• The first is to build and maintain Ukraine’s credible defense and deterrence capability by both supporting Ukraine’s current defensive needs, and by measures such as intelligence sharing, enhancing interoperability between the US and Ukraine militaries, and collaborating with other allies in the region. 

• The second point in the agreement is to strengthen Ukraine’s capacity to sustain its fight over the long term, including building efforts and supporting Ukraine’s economic recovery. 

• The third is to aid Ukraine in implementing institutional reforms so Ukraine may sooner accede to the EU and NATO. 

• The fourth point is to achieve a just peace that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty, including accountability for Russia’s actions. 

• The final point in the agreement is to consult in the event of a future armed attack by Russia against Ukraine.

In a fact sheet published by the White House, the US has signed this agreement because it can not wait for the NATO accession process to be complete before it makes long-term commitments to Ukraine’s security and democracy.