Zelensky does not view security agreements with certain countries as alternative to U.S. assistance

MOSCOW. Feb 19 (Interfax) - The security agreements concluded with Germany, France and the United States and similar documents under consideration are not an alternative to U.S. military assistance, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has said.

"We have three agreements for now. Discussions have been held with some other countries. Several more agreements have been approved. Still, I do not view this as an alternative to U.S. assistance," Ukrainian media quoted Zelensky as telling the national telethon on Sunday after the Munich Security Conference.

"There are no security guarantees from the United States for now," Zelensky said, adding that he was optimistic. "The teams are at work, and two stages of negotiations have been completed. I view this as a reason for optimism in the near future," he said.

As reported, the bilateral long-term support and security agreement signed by Zelensky and German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin on February 16 is a ten-year document, which provides, in particular, the allocation of over 7 billion euros in support for Ukraine in 2024.

Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron Later signed a bilateral security agreement later that day. According to Macron, France would contribute additional 6 billion euros for Ukraine's needs in 2022-2024. He also said he would visit Kiev by mid-March.

In the words of Zelensky, over 20 countries support the conclusion of security agreements with Ukraine, and negotiations are on track.