President Volodymyr Zelensky and Romanian President Klaus Iohannis signed a bilateral Security Cooperation Agreement in Washington, according to the press office of Ukraine’s President. This agreement is notable for its specific cooperation clauses aimed at strengthening security in the Black Sea region.

Key points of the agreement:

• Black Sea demining: Romania will assist Ukraine in demining the Black Sea, providing support through EU and NATO mechanisms.
• Patriot system: Romania will transfer a Patriot missile defense system to Ukraine and maintain the same level of support provided from 2022 to 2024. Additionally, Romania will facilitate the swift transit of essential equipment through its territory to Ukraine.
• F-16 training: Romania, along with its partners, will support the F-16 training center to prepare Ukrainian pilots, bolstering the coalition’s air force capabilities.
• Defense industry support: Romania will assist in the development of Ukraine’s defense industry.

The agreement also covers intelligence and counterintelligence, cybersecurity, information security, humanitarian demining, sanctions, and the reconstruction of Ukraine. A notable feature is the 24-hour emergency response mechanism in case of renewed Russian aggression or significant escalation.

This security agreement is part of the implementation of the G7 Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine dated July 12, 2023. To date, Ukraine has signed 23 bilateral security agreements with countries including the UK, Germany, France, Denmark, Canada, Italy, the Netherlands, Finland, Latvia, Spain, Belgium, Portugal, Sweden, Iceland, Norway, Japan, the US, the EU, Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, Luxembourg, and Romania.

Romania’s commitment to transferring the Patriot system was officially confirmed on June 20. Subsequently, during the NATO summit, US President Joe Biden detailed that this system would significantly enhance Ukraine’s air defense capabilities.

Related:

• Türkiye, Romania, Bulgaria start clearing Black Sea of mines to help Ukrainian grain exports
• Romania open to discussions on sending Patriot system to Ukraine
• Romania mulls sending Patriot missiles to bolster Ukraine’s defenses
• Romania to finance training of Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets at Fetesti air base
• Ukraine launches security guarantee talks with Romania