Ukraine: Kiev, Washington sign key defense, security deal

Zelensky

KIEV, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- The United States and Ukraine have signed a Strategic Defense Framework agreement, which is set to define a new stage of bilateral cooperation in the field of defense and security, the Ukrainian presidential press service said Wednesday.

The deal inked during the visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Washington creates conditions for a significant strengthening of bilateral cooperation in defense and provides international legal support from the United States for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Ukraine, said a statement on the Ukrainian presidential website.

The agreement also helps accelerate Ukraine's entry into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, according to the statement.

During Zelensky's visit, Kiev and Washington also signed a series of agreements on scientific and technical cooperation, space flight security, information protection and border security.