United States and Ukraine Release New Security Agreement

On June 13, the Biden administration announced a new “Bilateral Security Agreement Between the United States of America and Ukraine.” 

According to the agreement, “In the event of future armed attack or threat of armed attack against Ukraine, the Parties shall, at the request of either Party and in accordance with their respective laws, immediately meet, where possible within 24 hours, at the most senior levels to determine appropriate next steps and additional defense needs.” The agreement says that the U.S. and Ukraine may decide together to take additional defensive and deterrent economic, military, and/or political measures, and that the countries “stand ready to share available and appropriate information and intelligence” in response to an armed attack or the threat of an armed attack.

The agreement describes mechanisms for economic cooperation, domestic institutional reforms—including anti-corruption measures—Ukraine “shall undertake,” and a commitment to secure a “just peace” for Ukraine. The agreement also says that “[t]he United States reaffirms that Ukraine’s future is in NATO.” 

The agreement entered into force when it was signed by the U.S. and Ukraine on June 13, and will, pending either party's decision to exit, remain so for 10 years—which the parties can extend “by mutual written agreement.” Either party, the agreement says, may terminate the arrangement by “written notification through diplomatic channels to the other Party of its intent to terminate this Agreement.” Termination of the agreement takes effect six months after the issuance of a termination notification. 

You can read the agreement here or below.