Biden Signs 10 Year Deal In Eastern Europe
President Joe Biden is poised to sign a significant agreement with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, committing the U.S. to a decade of military support for Ukraine. This strategic move is expected to add pressure on former President Donald Trump if he were to reclaim the White House.
This announcement comes as part of the key outcomes from Biden’s G7 meetings in the Apulia region of Italy, which began on Thursday. Biden arrived in Italy the previous night and is scheduled for a one-on-one meeting with Zelensky, followed by a joint press conference later in the evening.
White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan emphasized the importance of this agreement to reporters aboard Air Force One, saying, "We want to demonstrate that the U.S. supports the people of Ukraine, that we stand with them, and that we’ll continue to help address their security needs not just tomorrow but out into the future." He called the deal a "real marker of our commitment" to Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression and future deterrence.
While the bilateral deal does not have the binding power of a treaty ratified by the U.S. Senate, it still represents a significant commitment. A future president could withdraw from it, but its existence could act as a substantial obstacle, especially if Biden’s Republican successor were to take office.
This agreement follows Biden’s successful push through Congress of a $60 billion aid measure for Ukraine, despite prolonged opposition from some Republican lawmakers. As Trump heads to Capitol Hill to meet with Republicans, this new deal underscores the ongoing tensions and differing views on U.S. support for Ukraine.
Trump’s previous term was marked by controversy over military aid to Ukraine, contributing to his impeachment. The current geopolitical climate remains tense, with Moscow having escalated its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
In addition to the military support deal, another significant outcome from the G7 meetings is a proposed $50 billion loan to Ukraine. This financial aid, aimed at mitigating Ukraine's territorial losses to Russian forces, is derived from the interest on $300 million in seized Russian assets. The loan circumvents internal opposition within the alliance to using these funds directly.
Details of this financial package are still being finalized, and administration officials have been cautious about confirming specifics. However, there is optimism that the funds could be available to Kiev by the end of the year.
Sullivan indicated that progress is likely but did not offer absolute guarantees, saying, "I think we’re teed up for success in that regard … we’ll have to see how the next two days unfold." He mentioned that while immediate success is not guaranteed, they are "on the verge of a good outcome," with some details yet to be ironed out.
The G7 summit, held at the picturesque medieval-style village of Borgo Egnazia, has not been without logistical issues. Local police providing security have complained about subpar conditions on the 'Goddess of the Night' tour ship where they are housed.
Amidst these international developments, all of Hunter Biden's children are accompanying President Biden on this trip. This comes as the Biden family continues to deal with the aftermath of Hunter Biden's guilty verdict, a topic on which the president has yet to comment publicly.