U-24 (association)
U-24 is an intergovernmental peacekeeping organization proposed by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy aimed at quickly ending armed conflicts between countries. It was first voiced by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his speech to the U.S. Congress on 16 March 2022.
Overview
On 16 March 2022, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, gave a speech to the U.S. Congress via video conference. Zelenskyy thanked the American people for the support they were providing to Ukraine in context of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine; asked for more diplomatic and military help; and initiated the creation of the intergovernment body or association called U-24. U-24 would stand for United for Peace, while 24 means both 24 hours (1 day) and the 24th of February, the date of Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The idea is that the U-24 should provide all necessary assistance, including armed assistance, within a 24-hour response window.
In addition, such an association "could provide assistance to those who are experiencing natural disasters, man-made disasters, who have become victims of a humanitarian crisis or an epidemic."
Bilateral security agreements
In 2024, Ukraine initialized a series of bilateral security agreements. Each agreement is for 10 years, and is intended to bolster Ukraine's security until it can reach its aim of becoming a member of NATO. The following countries have signed the agreements:
- UK - January 12
- Germany - February 16
- France - February 16
- Denmark - February 22
- Italy - February 24
- Canada - February 24
- Netherlands - March 1