Latest news with #securityagreement
France 24
7 hours ago
- Politics
- France 24
‘Today it's paper, tomorrow it's nothing': the perils of security guarantees for Ukraine
Ukraine and its Western allies have said the specifics of a post-war security agreement are expected to be finalised in the next few days. Such security guarantees have long been considered key to maintaining a post-war peace in Ukraine. The UK and France gathered a mostly European 'coalition of the willing' in March as a potential peacekeeping force, but many worried it would lack effectiveness without robust US support. In an apparent breakthrough following Monday's gathering of European and NATO leaders at the White House, US President Donald Trump suggested potential security guarantees for Ukraine as part of a future peace deal with Russia. 'When it comes to security, there's going to be a lot of help,' he said alongside Zelensky in the Oval Office, while noting that European countries would take the lead. 'They are a first line of defence because they're there. But we'll help them out.' In a subsequent interview with Fox News, Trump said US help would probably take the form of air support. Following a much-anticipated meeting between Trump and US President Vladimir Putin last Friday in Alaska, Trump's Russia envoy Steve Witkoff said the US might consider offering Ukraine ' Article-5-like protection ', a reference to NATO's principle of collective defence, in which an attack on one is considered an attack on all. Witkoff added that Russia had agreed to the proposal, calling it 'game-changing'. Zelensky said on Tuesday that 'we are already working on the concrete content of the security guarantees', a process he said will continue at full speed in the upcoming weeks. Mykhailo Samus, a defence and politics analyst from Kyiv, spoke to FRANCE 24 about the security guarantees Ukraine might receive following a peace agreement ending the war with Russia. But with the failure of the 1994 Budapest Memorandum still vivid in the minds of many Ukrainians, he also advocates building a strong Ukrainian army that is fully integrated in the European defence system. FRANCE 24: What will 'security guarantees' for Ukraine most likely mean in practice? We (Ukraine) have a long history of security guarantees, which started with the Budapest Memorandum in 1994 (a non-aggression pact cosigned by the US, the UK and Russia in return for Ukraine surrendering the nuclear weapons it inherited from the USSR). We don't believe in paper guarantees. We need a strong Ukrainian defence industry which is totally integrated into the European defence structure. That's why we should base Ukrainian security on deterrence, like deterrence against aggression against the Baltic states or an invasion of Moldova. A joint approach means a European security system including Ukraine. Some might think this could mean French boots on the ground. Of course we don't need it, because we have one of the strongest armies in the world. Instead, we need help integrating Ukrainian forces in the European defence system. This means providing Ukraine with long-range capacities: ballistic missiles, cruise missiles. European forces should provide us with the equipment with the joint understanding that we are using the equipment to protect us and them. FRANCE 24: Why is the prospect of European boots on the ground unlikely to ensure peace in Ukraine? It shouldn't be forgotten that Russia is imperialistic; it only cares about Ukraine as an extension of its empire. It sounds impossible in the 21st century, but Putin lives in this paradigm. If they want to live in an empire, then we should be strong enough to [stand up to] the empire. Sending several thousand troops to Ukrainian territory is not the solution. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had an interesting idea during the talks at the White House to provide security guarantees modelled on NATO's Article 5 (the principle of collective defence, in which an attack on one is considered an attack on all). Yet this will be impossible to implement. The next Russian aggression towards Ukraine will get the same reaction – or non-reaction – from Western allies. We had a bad experience with the Budapest Memorandum. The United Kingdom signed it, and the United States signed it. These countries guaranteed the territorial sovereignty of Ukraine. But when Russia attacked Crimea, nothing happened. FRANCE 24: Why do you advocate for a defence-industry approach to supporting Kyiv? Joint capacities are easier to formulate and build upon. I think for now we can talk about a defence-industry approach with elements that will support Ukraine: monitoring, intelligence, the training of Ukrainian armed forces, support with ammunition and elements to keep Russia out of the front line. If the US doesn't want to sell us certain technologies, we should be able to develop them ourselves. European defence security policy is mostly Europe focusing on defence. The Ukrainian approach is the same as Europe's, yet we need to create modern, breakthrough technologies like long-range ballistic missiles. No country in Europe is building these and we need them. We also need joint capacities in missile defence – missile defence should be joint because it's impossible for one country to build them on its own. There needs to be a multi-layer European defence system. In Ukraine, we have attacks by [Iranian-made] Shahed drones every night. We need to build a common system. It would be a disaster if a Shahed drone hit Estonia, for example, and the same should apply to Ukraine. We have several layers [of defence] in Ukraine: drone interception, helicopters, fighter jets – all of these layers function together. Since Russia is a nuclear power, we should have a joint European nuclear doctrine. France and the United Kingdom have nuclear capacities; how to share these resources is something to be considered. When Putin talks about 'demilitarisation', it's so that he can take advantage. With a strong army in Ukraine, Putin won't be able to attack again. Without this – even with all the guarantees and all the paper in the world – Ukraine won't be safe. FRANCE 24: What would the US role be in a Ukrainian security guarantee? Europe doesn't have ballistic missiles and it depends on the US – this is a big problem. Europe depends on the F-16 fighter jets. We shouldn't depend on the moods of US President Donald Trump; he might say, 'You can have F-16s today' and tomorrow he could change his mind. The US is an important provider but not the main provider. That's why there should be a joint approach [involving] both the armed forces and the defence industry. When we are talking about security guarantees, and especially boots on the ground, Trump doesn't want to participate in this – so NATO can't participate. Trump is trying to divide us. There is an ocean between the US and Russia, while between Europe and Russia there is nothing. If we imagine that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Zelensky sign a peace agreement, the next step is how to [enforce] it. There will be complex mechanisms at work. For example, Putin will likely propose China as a peacekeeper, while rejecting any NATO forces on the ground in Ukraine. There are going to be many additional discussions. FRANCE 24: Ukraine obviously feels betrayed after the Budapest Memorandum failed to ensure its security. What other precedents are there for Russia breaking agreements? All the time. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, there was the 1997 Russian-Ukrainian Friendship Treaty. There were security guarantees of Russia respecting borders and the sovereignty of Ukraine. We had a lot of agreements involving the Black Sea. Everything was destroyed by Russia. When someone says we should sign a treaty with Russia, we say, 'Guys, go home.' Today it's paper; tomorrow it's nothing.
The National
6 days ago
- Politics
- The National
Iraq security deal with Iran sparks tension with US
A security agreement between Iran and Iraq has faced backlash from Washington, which for years has opposed Tehran's close ties with Baghdad. The deal comes as Ali Larijani, head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, visited Iraq on Monday amid deep divisions in the country over a proposed law that would further formalise the role of the Popular Mobilisation Forces, a coalition composed mainly of pro-Iran paramilitary groups. Baghdad has been under pressure from Washington to rein in the Iranian-backed militias. 'We support genuine Iraqi sovereignty, not legislation that would turn Iraq into an Iranian satellite state,' US State Department spokesman Tammy Bruce said late on Tuesday. She added that Washington opposes any deal that is inconsistent with US goals and that would 'counter' its efforts to strengthen state institutions in Iraq. 'We've been clear, in this particular instance certainly and others, that the future of nations should be in the hands of the people of those nations,' she said. 'Our commitment here, as we've made clear, this particular dynamic runs counter to what our commitment has been regarding security in general." In response, Iran 's embassy in Baghdad described the comments made by Washington as "interfering remarks". The statements reflect 'ongoing efforts by American decision-makers to sow division among neighbouring and Muslim people", the embassy said in a statement published by Iranian media. The embassy also reaffirmed the 'shared determination' of Iran and Iraq to deepen relations based on mutual respect. Iraq's embassy in Washington said on Wednesday that Baghdad has the right to independently draw up agreements with any sides. Iraq 'has the right to enter into agreements in accordance with its constitution and national laws, in a manner consistent with its supreme interests", state news reported. The country is "not subordinate to the policies of any other state" and Baghdad's actions are based on its 'independent national will', the statement added. What is the deal about? The agreement signed on Monday aims to tighten border security co-operation between Iran and Iraq. A statement from the office of Iraq 's National Security Adviser, Qasim Al Araji, said he held talks with Mr Larijani on the implementation of the agreement, as well as Israel's war on Gaza. The office of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani said in a statement that he oversaw the signing of the deal. The agreement is a continuation of a pact made in March 2023 to increase security in the Iraqi Kurdistan region, which Tehran accuses of harbouring armed opposition groups. Officials in Baghdad have said the agreement aims to curb cross-border infiltration by Kurdish groups that Iran says has caused unrest. "Iraq has a security protocol with the Islamic Republic of Iran, signed on March 19, 2023, known as the Joint Security Agreement on border security and the specific measures to neutralise the Iranian Kurdish opposition present in the Kurdistan Region," said a statement given to The National by Mr Al Sudani's office. "The coordination was carried out to convert this security protocol, or memorandum of understanding (MoU), to the same content regarding border security, security cooperation, and matters related to the Iranian Kurdish opposition and its five parties," said the statement. Iran suffered blows during a 12-day war with Israel in which the US also launched attacks on its major nuclear sites.
Yahoo
12-08-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Iran's defense chief in Iraq to discuss an 'important security agreement'
BAGHDAD (AP) — The head of Iran's top defense body visited Iraq Monday to discuss a security agreement between the two countries, described as important, though details remain scant. Iraq, which has managed to stay on the sidelines as military conflicts raged nearby for almost two years while balancing relations with Iran and the United States, had accused Israel of using its airspace to launch strikes on the Islamic Republic during a 12-day war in June and filed a complaint to the U.N. Security Council. Iraq's government also tried to restrain local Iran-linked armed groups from entering the fray at the time. Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, said an 'important security deal' with Iraq has been drafted, ahead of his visit to the neighboring country, reported state-run IRNA news agency. Larijani did not provide any details. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani said in a statement that he had met with Larijani and had 'sponsored the signing of a joint security memorandum of understanding ... regarding security coordination on the common border between the two countries.' He also did not give further details. Iraq's National Security Advisor Qassim al-Araji confirmed meeting Larijani, saying in a separate succinct statement they discussed 'the implementation of the security agreement signed between the two countries" and 'emphasized that the Iraqi government is working diligently to prevent any security breach aimed at encroaching upon any neighboring country.' Larijani 'praised the Iraqi government and its balanced foreign policy," the statement said. The two 'also discussed the security situation in the region and the crimes of starvation and killing of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip,' calling for the international community to take action. Al-Sudani told The Associated Press in an interview last month that he used a mix of political and military pressure to stop armed groups in Iraq aligned with Iran from becoming a part of the June war that saw the U.S. launch strikes on key Iranian nuclear sites as Israel waged an air war on the Islamic Republic. As Iran retaliated by firing missiles at Tel Aviv, armed groups in Iraq attempted to launch missiles and drones, al-Sudani said, but they were thwarted 29 times by Iraqi government 'security operations.' He did not specify the intended target of the missiles and drones, but in the past, factions in Iraq have fired toward Israel and at bases in Iraq housing U.S. troops Larijani is also set to visit Lebanon later in the week, where IRNA said he will meet with officials to discuss matters including 'national unity, (and) Lebanon's independence.' His visit to the tiny country comes at a time when Israel continues to launch strikes on the Tehran-backed Hezbollah militant group despite a ceasefire inked in November after last year's Israel-Hezbollah war, and as Lebanon's government is pushing the militant group to give up its remaining arsenal by the end of the year. The Associated Press
Associated Press
11-08-2025
- Politics
- Associated Press
Iran's defense chief in Iraq to discuss an 'important security agreement'
BAGHDAD (AP) — The head of Iran's top defense body visited Iraq Monday to discuss a security agreement between the two countries, described as important, though details remain scant. Iraq, which has managed to stay on the sidelines as military conflicts raged nearby for almost two years while balancing relations with Iran and the United States, had accused Israel of using its airspace to launch strikes on the Islamic Republic during a 12-day war in June and filed a complaint to the U.N. Security Council. Iraq's government also tried to restrain local Iran-linked armed groups from entering the fray at the time. Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, said an 'important security deal' with Iraq has been drafted, ahead of his visit to the neighboring country, reported state-run IRNA news agency. Larijani did not provide any details. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani said in a statement that he had met with Larijani and had 'sponsored the signing of a joint security memorandum of understanding ... regarding security coordination on the common border between the two countries.' He also did not give further details. Iraq's National Security Advisor Qassim al-Araji confirmed meeting Larijani, saying in a separate succinct statement they discussed 'the implementation of the security agreement signed between the two countries' and 'emphasized that the Iraqi government is working diligently to prevent any security breach aimed at encroaching upon any neighboring country.' Larijani 'praised the Iraqi government and its balanced foreign policy,' the statement said. The two 'also discussed the security situation in the region and the crimes of starvation and killing of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip,' calling for the international community to take action. Al-Sudani told The Associated Press in an interview last month that he used a mix of political and military pressure to stop armed groups in Iraq aligned with Iran from becoming a part of the June war that saw the U.S. launch strikes on key Iranian nuclear sites as Israel waged an air war on the Islamic Republic. As Iran retaliated by firing missiles at Tel Aviv, armed groups in Iraq attempted to launch missiles and drones, al-Sudani said, but they were thwarted 29 times by Iraqi government 'security operations.' He did not specify the intended target of the missiles and drones, but in the past, factions in Iraq have fired toward Israel and at bases in Iraq housing U.S. troops Larijani is also set to visit Lebanon later in the week, where IRNA said he will meet with officials to discuss matters including 'national unity, (and) Lebanon's independence.' His visit to the tiny country comes at a time when Israel continues to launch strikes on the Tehran-backed Hezbollah militant group despite a ceasefire inked in November after last year's Israel-Hezbollah war, and as Lebanon's government is pushing the militant group to give up its remaining arsenal by the end of the year.
LBCI
15-07-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
A 'Druze crisis': Syria-Israel security deal in jeopardy amid Sweida clashes and Israeli strikes
Report by Amal Shehadeh, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi Hopes for a potential Israeli-Syrian security agreement appear to have dimmed following escalating clashes in Syria's Sweida province. The situation has shifted dramatically, with Israel no longer acting as a mere observer but increasingly seen as a direct player in Syria's internal affairs. Israeli airstrikes this week targeted positions approximately 50 kilometers inside Syrian territory, a move that Israeli Minister of Defense Israel Katz described as a warning to the Syrian regime led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Tel Aviv claims its operations are aimed at protecting its borders and the Druze minority in Syria. The renewed military activity has thrust the southern Syrian front back into the spotlight, prompting Israeli army reinforcements in the area as officials prepare for a possible expansion of the conflict. Tensions between Syria and Israel had already been high during previous negotiations over a potential Israeli withdrawal from certain southern territories. Israel is seizing upon the current fighting between Syrian government forces and Druze groups as justification to maintain its military presence, part of a broader strategy to establish a buffer zone deep inside Syria and ensure protection for Druze communities. Support for these actions is also emerging from within Israel's Druze community. A group of Druze soldiers, both active and reserve, sent a letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urging increased military and humanitarian support for their Syrian counterparts. They also proposed the creation of a humanitarian corridor to allow vulnerable Druze to seek refuge in Israel. Public protests organized by Druze soldiers have placed the Syria-Israel file under renewed scrutiny, reframing what some now describe as a "Druze crisis," overshadowing broader regional and geopolitical implications.
