Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has disclosed ongoing efforts between the United States and Ukraine to finalize a bilateral security agreement that would secure extended military aid for Ukraine over the next decade.
In a statement released Sunday, Zelensky expressed gratitude to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) and all members of Congress for their support and for passing a $61 billion aid package, part of a larger $95 billion foreign aid package.
During his conversation with Jeffries, Zelensky stressed the importance of receiving Patriot missile systems, a request he has made before.
Ukraine currently possesses three Patriot systems, one from the U.S. and two reportedly from Germany, according to the Washington Post.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin announced on Friday that the U.S. would be sending Ukraine more Patriot systems as part of an additional $6 billion foreign aid package.
Zelensky stated, “Our teams, Ukraine and the United States, are currently working on a bilateral security agreement, and we are already working on a specific text. Our goal is to make this agreement the strongest of all. We are discussing the specific foundations of our security and cooperation. We are also working on fixing specific levels of support for this year and for the next ten years, including armed support, financial, political, and joint arms production. The agreement should be truly exemplary and reflect the strength of American leadership. I am grateful to both our team and the team of the American side for the progress in drafting the agreement.”
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In addition to the $61 billion in foreign aid recently approved by the United States, United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pledged to send an additional £500 million in foreign aid to Ukraine.