The European Union is set to formalize a significant defense pact with Ukraine on Thursday, demonstrating sustained support amid the ongoing conflict with Russia, according to a leaked draft reported by Reuters.
This landmark agreement highlights the EU’s commitment to assist Ukraine across various security and defense sectors, even as Ukraine faces no immediate prospects of joining the EU or NATO.
“Today, Ambassador Igor Zhovkva and I wrapped up discussions on the joint security commitments between the EU and Ukraine,” Charles Fries, the French diplomat who is the deputy secretary-general for ‘Peace, Security and Defense’ at the EU External Action Service, said on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday.
“The EU is fully united and resolved to support Ukraine, whatever it takes.”
The draft details the EU’s obligation to support Kyiv in nine critical areas, including weapons deliveries, military training, demining, and defense industry cooperation.
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky is expected to sign the agreement in Brussels during an unannounced visit to the EU leaders’ summit.
While not a mutual defense pact, the deal commits the EU to providing Ukraine with military aid against any “future invasion.”
In the event of “future aggression,” the agreement mandates EU-Ukraine consultations within 24 hours to determine immediate actions.
The agreement does not specify the exact value of future military aid but notes the EU’s current commitment of €5 billion for the Ukrainian military this year, with potential annual increases until 2027.
Similar security agreements have been established by the US, UK, France, and Germany to ensure continued support for Ukraine.
The EU pact will remain effective as Ukraine advances its European integration, with a review set for ten years. The EU also formally initiated negotiations for Ukraine’s potential membership, aiming for completion by 2030.
