Biden and Zelensky to ink 10-year deal meant to lock in U.S. military support for Ukraine: framework could box in Trump with U.S. election up for grabs
President Joe Biden is about to sign a deal with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy The intention was to commit the US to 10 years of military support – a move that could put pressure on rivals Donald Trump if he the White House.
The step is an important deliverable from Biden G7 Meetings will begin in the Apulia region Italy Thursday. The president arrived last night and will meet Zelensky one on one before the two leaders will hold a joint press conference on Thursday evening local time.
‘We want to show that the US supports the people Ukrainethat we stand with them, and we will continue to help address their security needs, not just tomorrow but into the future,” White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told reporters aboard Air Force One on the way to the annual confab.
The bilateral agreement would not have the force of a treaty ratified by the US Senateso that Biden or any successor could withdraw from it.
President Joe Biden will begin meetings with G7 leaders in Italy on Thursday after arriving on Wednesday evening
But it would still pose a barrier if Biden’s Republican successor were to retake the White House. It is one of several efforts under consideration Congress to try to ‘Trump-proof’ elements of the establishment.
Trump’s tenure in the White House has been accompanied by a furious impeachment clash sparked in part by a division within his administration over withholding military aid to Ukraine amid accusations from Trump allies of corruption in the country.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will meet Biden on Thursday
Another deal that emerged from the G7 meetings is an agreement to provide Ukraine with a $50 billion loan amid territorial losses to Russia’s armed forces.
The money will come from interest on $300 million in seized Russian assets – bypassing resistance within the alliance to the use of those funds.
Details were still being worked out and government officials would not confirm earlier reporting on the contours of the deal. But the funds could reach Kiev by the end of the year.
Sullivan told reporters Thursday morning that progress was likely, but he offered no guarantees on Russian government bonds and other issues.
“I think we’re set up for success in that regard… we’ll have to see how the next two days unfold,” he said.
