G7 nations unveil security framework for Ukraine

G7 countries announced an international framework that paves the way for long-term security assurances for Ukraine to boost its defences against Russia and deter Moscow from future aggression.

In a joint declaration, which other nations can join, the United States, Germany, Japan, France, Canada, Italy and Britain, as well as the European Union, said the framework encompasses elements including modern advanced military equipment, training, intelligence-sharing and cyberdefence, DW reports.

In return Ukraine, would pledge improved governance measures, including through judicial, economic reforms and enhanced transparency. 

US President Joe Biden said that the G7 will assist Ukraine in building a powerful military while it waits to be allowed into the NATO alliance.

"We're going to help them build a strong capable defense across land, air and sea," Biden said at a ceremony with the other G7 leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the NATO summit in Vilnius.

US President stressed that "Ukraine's future lies in NATO" and that the G7 had made a clear statement that its support to Ukraine would last long into the future after a declaration outlined a multilateral framework to support Ukraine.

"We’re going to be there as long as it takes," Biden said.

Speaking alongside Biden, Zelenskyy said the multilateral accord that paves the way for bilateral negotiations with countries was a "significant security victory" for Ukraine.

Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that the security pledges to Ukraine issued by several countries within a G7 framework are meant to be part of long-term strategy to support Kyiv.

"It is about a security partnership that's urgently needed and that will enable the participating countries to specify their contributions [to Kyiv], embedding these contributions in a longer-term strategy that Ukraine can rely on," he told reporters.