UK PM and Ukrainian President outline UK guarantees for Ukraine in event of future Russian attack

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have clarified details of the bilateral security agreement between the two countries, particularly with regard to possible further Russian attacks.

Source: a press conference in Kyiv on 12 January; European Pravda

Details: Sunak explained the essence of the security commitments under the agreement.

"The first thing that this agreement does, in general, is to formalise our current security agreements. The second is to ensure that this support is long-term so that Russia understands that we are standing with Ukraine," Sunak said.

The UK Prime Minister also explained that there is a third component that prevents a new attack after the current war is over.

"If Russia attacks again, we will provide the support that Ukraine needs: fast and reliable security support and modern weapons (for defence) on land, at sea and in the sky; economic support; and we will impose sanctions that will have a price for Russia. There is a clear and important commitment to this," Sunak said.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, for his part, clarified that the agreement provides for time for consultations with partners in the event of a repeat of Russian aggression.

"This is a formalised commitment from our partners. If there is a recurrence of the Russian Federation’s aggression, an appropriate time is provided during which we consult with our partners in accordance with this agreement," Zelenskyy said.

"We will understand the amount of assistance that we will need in the event of a new attack by the Russian Federation," Zelenskyy added.

Update: According to the published text of the agreement, "In the event of future Russian armed attack against Ukraine, at the request of either of the Participants, the Participants will consult within 24 hours to determine measures needed to counter or deter the aggression".

Background: 

• As reported, Rishi Sunak, during a visit to Kyiv, announced a large package of military assistance for Ukraine worth £2.5 billion.
• Moreover, at a meeting in Kyiv on Friday, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi signed a bilateral security agreement.

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