Ukrainian President signs historic security agreement with Germany, France

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (right) signs a security agreement with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (left) in Berlin on February 16.

The signing ceremony took place in Berlin between German host Chancellor Olaf Scholz and visiting President Zelensky, according to AFP on February 16.

Specific details of the bilateral agreement between the two countries have not been released, with Berlin only saying the deal includes long-term security and support commitments to the Kyiv government.

At the signing ceremony, Chancellor Scholz called it a "historic step", adding that Germany would always support Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.

And Mr Scholz announced an immediate military aid package worth 1.1 billion euros for Ukraine.

Flashpoints: Ukraine withdraws troops from Avdiivka; US seizes ship carrying weapons to Houthi

The signing ceremony of the bilateral security agreement between France and Ukraine is expected to take place in Paris on the same afternoon (local time). The French President's Office confirmed this information, but did not provide any details about the event.

Mr Zelensky's European tour comes as Ukraine's military struggles to contain mounting Russian pressure in the frontline town of Avdiivka and across the country's eastern fronts.

The situation is extremely difficult because Ukraine lacks ammunition, while Russia launches new attacks.

Currently, the administration of US President Joe Biden has not been able to convince Congress to pass a $60 billion aid package for Ukraine.

For its part, the European Union was forced to admit it had broken its promise to Ukraine by only being able to provide half of the 1 million mortar shells it was supposed to provide to Kyiv.

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