U.S. President Joe Biden will sign a new security agreement with Ukraine on Thursday to pledge America's long-term support to the country, during his meeting with leaders of the Group of Seven democracies in Italy, a top U.S. official said.
Biden departed for Italy on Wednesday to increase pressure on Russia over its war against Ukraine and on China for its support of Moscow and excess industrial capacity.
The agreement will make clear "our support will last long into the future... particularly in the defense and security space," White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters aboard Air Force One.
"By signing this we'll also be sending Russia a signal of our resolve. If Vladimir Putin thinks he can outlast the coalition supporting Ukraine, he's wrong," Sullivan said.
Fifteen countries have signed their own security agreements, which will strengthen Ukraine's "defensive deterrence capability," he said.
The U.S. agreement will include a commitment to working with the U.S. Congress on funding Ukraine going forward but will not commit to using U.S. forces on the ground, Sullivan added.