Zelensky hopes Ukraine will get Israel-style security guarantee from US

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says he hopes that Ukraine will get security guarantees from the US that are similar to those enjoyed by Israel.

In an interview with Ukrainian media, Zelensky said that security guarantees include both a shield and a sword.

Such guarantees would come through the process of Ukraine’s accession to NATO, he said, but would be reinforced through a bilateral agreement with the United States.

“We will probably have a similar model with the United States, like the Israeli model, where we have weapons, technology, training, finances, etc. Something like Israel has, but we have a different enemy,” Zelensky said.
Such an agreement would not depend on who was in the White House, Zelensky said, since it would be approved by Congress.

Some background: The US and Israel have signed multiple security agreements since the founding of the state of Israel, and the US guarantees what is called a Qualitative Military Edge to Israel compared to other forces in the region.

Ukraine has been under martial law for more than 18 months. The decree – passed by the country’s president Volodymyr Zelenksy on the day Russia launched its full-scale invasion last February – dictates whole swathes of life in Ukraine, from who can leave the country, to when and how elections can be held.

Under the current state of martial law in Ukraine, elections have not been deemed possible. But Zelensky suggested Monday that Ukraine may hold a presidential ballot next year as scheduled – but stressed that the country would need support for such a complex undertaking during wartime.

Here are the latest developments:

2024 Ukrainian elections: In an interview with local media, Zelensky signaled that Ukraine may hold presidential elections next year, despite currently being under martial law. “We are defending democracy and our land,” Zelensky said. “That’s why people are talking [about elections]. There is a political process. It cannot be banned.”
Moldova’s president speaks to CNN: Maia Sandu told Christiane Amanpour that Ukraine needs more support or Russia will not relent in its invasion. In an exclusive interview, Sandu drew parallels between Ukraine and her country, which has also experienced serious tensions with Russia, concentrated in the eastern pro-Russian breakaway territory of Transnistria, where Russian troops are stationed. The full interview airs on Amanpour at 1 p.m. ET.
Crimea drones intercepted: Russia’s defense ministry said it intercepted two Ukrainian drones over Russian-occupied Crimea on Monday morning. The west coast of Crimea has seen an uptick in Ukrainian attacks this month, with drones targeting Russian air defenses and hitting other Russian military facilities.
Military exercise canceled: The UK’s Ministry of Defense said it is “highly likely” that Russia canceled a major joint strategic exercise “because too few troops and equipment are available.” ZAPAD, a joint military exercise between Russia and Belarus, was due to be held in September.
Heavy fighting in south: Ukraine’s deputy defense minister Hanna Maliar claimed that Ukrainian forces had claimed further advances along the southern frontline, near the recently liberated village of Robotyne. However, Maliar added that “the enemy is throwing all its forces at these areas in order not to surrender the occupied positions.” Her comments come as Ukrainian soldiers detailed the challenges in trying to push further south.