Ukraine signs three more security agreements
31 May 2024 18:06
Today, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed security agreements with three Nordic countries in Stockholm: Sweden, Norway and Iceland. This was reported by "Komersant Ukrainian" reports news agency citing the President’s press service.
Sweden
Under the terms of the agreement, Sweden’s military assistance to Ukraine will amount to almost €6.5 billion in 2024-2026. The amount of aid will increase over the ten-year term of the document.
Sweden’s military support will include aviation and air defence, armoured vehicles, artillery, maritime security, demining assistance, and unmanned aerial vehicles.
Sweden will continue to provide Ukraine with Archer artillery systems and CV90 combat vehicles, for which the partners will also explore joint production opportunities.
A unique part of the agreement with Sweden is the provision of specialised ASC 890 aircraft, as well as the prospect of providing Ukraine with JAS 39 Gripen aircraft, including relevant training.
The parties will also develop bilateral cooperation on the localisation, repair, maintenance and production of Swedish defence products in Ukraine.
The full text of the agreement is available here.
Iceland
During 2024-2028, Iceland will annually allocate at least ISK 4 billion (almost USD 30 million). Iceland is also ready to finance, purchase and supply defence materials and equipment.
The agreement is unique in that Iceland undertakes to continue transporting military supplies and equipment from NATO allies to Ukraine by chartered cargo aircraft. In addition, Iceland will pay special attention to supporting and equipping Ukrainian women in the Armed Forces.
Separate sections of the agreement relate to support for the Ukrainian peace formula, sanctions against Russia, compensation for damages and bringing the aggressor to justice. The agreement also addresses the strengthening of social and civilian infrastructure, including education and energy security.
The full text of the agreement is available here.
Norway
This year, Norway will provide Ukraine with at least NOK 13.5 billion (about EUR 1.2 billion) in military assistance. In total, Norway has allocated almost EUR 6.4 billion for the long-term programme for 2023-2027.
Together with its allies, Norway will help Ukraine develop its capabilities in the field of modern combat aircraft and has already indicated a clear readiness to provide F-16 fighters.
In addition, it will make a significant contribution to the development of maritime capabilities in the Black and Azov Seas, continue to provide NASAMS systems and equipment, and train specialists.
The full text of the agreement is available here.
“Festival of Security Agreements”
Norway has become the 15th country to sign a security agreement with Ukraine similar to the Budapest Memorandum. Thus, Ukraine has already signed such agreements with the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Denmark, Italy, Canada, the Netherlands, Finland, Latvia, Spain, Belgium, Portugal, Sweden, Iceland and Norway. Under these agreements, these states pledge to support Ukraine in the face of the Russian threat with finance, weapons and humanitarian aid.
The United States and Poland may be among the next signatories, as it is known that the government is negotiating with these countries.
For example, the US Ambassador to Ukraine, Bridget Brink, said that two rounds of talks between Ukraine and the US have already taken place on the content and content of the relevant agreement with the US government.
