Ukraine, Spain begin talks on bilateral security agreements

Ukraine launched negotiations with Spain on bilateral security agreements, Ukraine’s Presidential Office announced on 4 March. Ukraine has already signed security deals with the UK, Germany, France, Denmark, Italy, and Canada to bolster its defense capabilities and ensure continued Western military support amid Russia’s ongoing invasion.

“The two sides discussed the structure of the future agreement and agreed on a schedule for further negotiations,” the statement reads.

During the NATO summit in Vilnius in July, the Group of Seven nations agreed to offer Ukraine long-term security commitments and arrangements. The declaration affirms support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and condemns Russia’s invasion. It states the strongest guarantee is helping Ukraine defend itself under Article 51 of the UN Charter. It outlines bilateral security cooperation on:

• Equipping Ukraine’s military with necessary equipment, including air defense, artillery, armored vehicles, and combat aircraft. Also covers training, intelligence sharing, and developing Ukraine’s defense industry.
• Reconstructing Ukraine’s economy and energy infrastructure.
• Providing financial and technical assistance to meet urgent wartime needs.

The countries pledged to hold Russia accountable for war crimes and keep its assets frozen for reparations. In return, Ukraine commits to reforms upholding democracy, human rights, and media freedom. Ukraine also pledges to implement defense reforms and modernization, including strengthening democratic control of the armed forces and increasing efficiency and transparency in defense institutions and industry. Read also:

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