Ukraine, US hold 3rd talks on bilateral security agreement

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - Ukrainian and US officials held a third round of talks on devising a final bilateral security agreement between the two countries.

A statement by the Ukrainian presidency late Monday said the parties discussed the text of the draft security agreement and noted significant progress in devising the main provisions of the document.

Indicating that the country’s delegation in the talks was led by Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian Presidential Office, the statement quoted him saying that the talks were accelerated by Washington’s approval of the $60.8 billion aid package for Kyiv.

“I am convinced that our leaders will be able to sign a bilateral security agreement in the near future," Yermak further said.

He went on to say that the security agreement they are discussing will confirm Washington’s military and security support for Ukraine.

He added that it will also directly contribute to Kyiv’s “victory” over Russia and create a solid base for long-term cooperation between Ukraine and the US to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities.

Ukraine has already signed bilateral security treaties with nine other countries -- the UK, Germany, Denmark, Latvia, Finland, France, Italy, Canada, and the Netherlands.​​​​​​​

The agreements came as the G7 declared during a NATO summit in the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius last July that it is launching negotiations with Kyiv to formalize its "enduring support" for Ukraine through "bilateral security commitments and arrangements."