Baltic states join G7 declaration on security guarantees for Ukraine

“We will keep helping Ukraine until victory,” Kallas said.

“We will support Ukraine on its path towards NATO and EU membership.”

In turn, Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė emphasized that “only NATO membership will provide security guarantees for Ukraine.”

During the NATO summit in Vilnius on July 12, the leaders of the G7 countries announced that they had agreed on a declaration of security guarantees for Ukraine. The document represents a framework for signing a series of bilateral agreements that would aim to ensure Ukraine’s military is strong enough to deter any future Russian aggression.

By Aug. 11, Kyiv has initiated talks on signing these bilateral security guarantee treaties with the United States and the United Kingdom.

G7 declaration of support for Ukraine — Highlights

The text of the document states that the G7 leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a free, independent, democratic, and sovereign Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, and emphasized that Ukraine's security is an integral part of the security of the Euro-Atlantic region.

They pledged to support Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression for as long as necessary.

Each of the G7 countries will work with Ukraine on specific bilateral security commitments in order to:

●     Strengthen the Armed Forces of Ukraine (through the supply of modern military equipment, increasing interoperability with partners, training and education of military personnel, intelligence sharing, assistance in combating hybrid threats, etc;)

●     Strengthen Ukraine's economic stability (energy security, rebuilding Ukraine, conditions for its economic prosperity);

●     Provide technical and financial support, in particular for Ukraine to continue its reforms.

The G7 leaders pledged to immediately consult with Ukraine in the event of a possible future Russian attack and to provide rapid and sustained assistance to Ukraine. They also promised to continue to hold Russia accountable for its actions, including via new sanctions, export controls, and punishment for war crimes and other atrocities.

The G7 leaders also backed the need to create an international mechanism to compensate Ukraine for the damage caused by Russian aggression.

In return, Ukraine committed to:

●     Increase transparency and accountability for partner assistance;

●     Continue anti-corruption, law enforcement, judicial, corporate governance, economic, security and public administration reforms, promote defense reforms, strengthen democratic civilian control over the Armed Forces, and increase transparency in defense institutions and industry.

Other states may join in the declaration initiative at any time.