G7 nations to start talks with Ukraine on long-term security guarantees at NATO summit

Bloomberg reports that the announcement is expected to be part of a declaration by a majority of G7 leaders on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Vilnius. The declaration, which aims to provide Ukraine with long-term security guarantees, is still under discussion, and the content and signatories may change before it is announced.

The US and other participating nations will work with Ukraine on specific long-term security commitments by providing modern military equipment in the air, on land and at sea, with a priority on air defence systems, artillery, long-range missiles and armoured vehicles, said the source, who asked not to be identified because the talks are private.

The defence package is part of a broader effort to support Ukraine while it is not a NATO member. Fifteen years ago, the Alliance agreed that Ukraine would one day join, a promise that proved insufficient to prevent the steady build-up of Russian hostility that led to last year's invasion. Allies are grappling with how to move beyond this 2008 summit statement without further deteriorating the situation in Eastern Europe.

Kyiv's Allies will also promote interoperability between the capabilities of Ukraine and its NATO Allies. They will support the development of the country's defence industry, train its troops, share intelligence, and strengthen cyber defences.

The pledges generally reflect the support Ukraine is currently receiving, while also aiming to increase it and put the country on a more stable footing to deter future attacks.

The G7 leaders also pledged to consult with Ukraine immediately on steps to be taken in the event of future Russian attacks, one source said. 

In the meantime, the allies will continue to provide financial support to Ukraine to meet its immediate needs and recommit to supporting its reconstruction and recovery efforts.

For its part, Ukraine will commit to continuing a number of reforms, including in law enforcement, the judiciary, the economy, and the security and defence sectors.

“The security guarantees are debated by other countries as well which are not members of the G-7,” Romanian President Klaus Iohannis told reporters in Vilnius on Tuesday. “These guarantees refer to the current situation that Ukraine is in but also to the post war reconstruction and development. It would be good for as many countries as possible to participate.”

In parallel, as part of its future commitment and contribution to this effort, the European Union is seeking to increase long-term funding for the European Peace Facility, a mechanism the bloc uses to support the supply of arms and military equipment to Ukraine, according to another person familiar with the ongoing talks in Brussels.

The EU is also discussing ways to strengthen military training, support Ukraine's reform process, including its armed forces, law enforcement and defence sectors, and further expand the European defence industry, especially in terms of accelerating ammunition production and cooperation with Ukrainian industry.

In addition, the EU will seek to support the provision by member states of more advanced weapons systems, such as missiles and fighter jets, one source said. The bloc's broader commitment to Ukraine will include support for Ukraine's accession process and related reforms, he added.

Security guarantees for Ukraine until it joins the Alliance are one of the key points on the agenda of the NATO summit, which is taking place on 11-12 July in Vilnius. 

•  On Tuesday, July 11, a two-day NATO summit begins in Vilnius, Lithuania. It will decide whether Ukraine receives a NATO invitation and security guarantees