Security guarantees: Ukraine and Italy start negotiations on bilateral agreement

On the instruction of President Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine began negotiations with Italy to conclude a bilateral agreement on security guarantees, as outlined in the G7 Joint Declaration. 

The Office of the President of Ukraine announced that the first round of consultations with the Italian Republic commenced with the Ukrainian negotiating team led by the Deputy Head of the Office, Ihor Zhovkva, Rubryka reports.

"Ukraine has already initiated bilateral consultations with all G7 countries, including Italy. Italy will lead the 'Group of Seven' next year," Zhovkva said. "We appreciate the significant contribution of our Italian friends to the defense of Ukraine and the pursuit of joint victories. Italy providing security guarantees to Ukraine will be a crucial step towards our country's closer integration into the EU and NATO."

The negotiators discussed approaches to the content and format of the future bilateral agreement and agreed on the schedule for further communication.

Background

On July 11 and 12, the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius, held a NATO summit, with Ukraine being one of its main topics. In the summit's final communiqué published on the Alliance's website, Heads of State and Government of NATO countries acknowledged Ukraine's progress on the path of Euro-Atlantic integration and confirmed that Ukraine's future lies in NATO.

The leaders of NATO member countries agreed to cancel the requirement for a Membership Action Plan for Ukraine and stated that they would extend an invitation to Ukraine to join the Alliance after the country "fulfilled conditions."

Moreover, on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Vilnius, the Group of Seven (G7) leaders agreed to the "Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine."

President Ursula von der Leyen of the European Commission believes that NATO members can provide Ukraine with a series of security guarantees, ensuring the country receives the necessary armaments before joining NATO. This emphasizes the collaborative efforts to secure Ukraine and align it with Euro-Atlantic institutions.

As of August 2, 12 countries have already joined the G7's joint declaration on security guarantees for Ukraine, as reported by Zelensky.