The agreement, announced on Thursday, aims to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities and send a clear message to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

At a joint news conference, President Biden emphasized their united stance against "illegal aggression," stating that they are "not backing down" and will stand with Ukraine. As part of their efforts, the G7 nations also reached a significant deal to provide Ukraine with a $50 billion loan this year. The loan, backed by frozen Russian assets, will be used to support Ukraine's military, provide humanitarian aid, and aid in the country's reconstruction.

Highlighting the importance of this agreement, President Zelenskyy referred to it as a "bridge" to Ukraine's membership in NATO, the defense alliance. However, Biden clarified that Ukraine's entry into NATO would not happen while the war with Russia continues, demonstrating a cautious approach.

The loan deal was carefully negotiated since Russian troops invaded Ukraine in February 2022, but political uncertainty has added urgency to the talks. With Biden facing a tough re-election campaign, this G7 summit is considered a critical opportunity to act collectively and make Russia pay, without burdening the taxpayers of the G7 nations.

While the security agreement and loan deal provide a strong foundation of support for Ukraine, its future could be influenced by the outcome of the U.S. presidential election. If former President Donald Trump, known for seeking friendlier relations with Putin, were to win, his administration might choose to withdraw from the pact. On the other hand, Biden's internationalist approach to foreign policy suggests more consistency in America's support for Ukraine if he is re-elected.

Apart from the loan and security agreement, the G7 summit also addressed concerns regarding China and its involvement in aiding the Russian war effort. President Zelenskyy revealed that he had spoken with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who assured him that China would not sell weapons to Russia. The Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., has yet to comment on Zelenskyy's remarks.

President Biden's visit to Italy, though brief, is filled with crucial engagements, including meetings on global infrastructure projects and discussions about China's market practices. A notable highlight will be his meeting with Pope Francis, who will address the risks associated with artificial intelligence. The president, a practicing Catholic, previously met with the pontiff in 2021 and received his support to receive communion despite objections from conservative American bishops.

Amidst the political and personal challenges, with his son Hunter Biden recently being found guilty on felony gun charges tied to drug use, President Biden made it clear at the news conference that he would not pardon or commute his son's sentence. He expressed pride in his son's ability to overcome addiction and described him as one of the brightest and most decent men he knows.

As the G7 summit concludes, the focus now shifts to implementation, ensuring that the loan effectively supports Ukraine's defense and recovery efforts. The international community will closely monitor how Russia responds to this united front against its invasion and if other nations step forward to share the financial burden.