US and Ukrainian officials have started talks to build a new bilateral framework to offer security guarantees for Ukraine until it becomes a NATO member.

The US Department of State announced on Thursday that the two sides began negotiations on long-term security commitments between the countries.

Leaders of NATO member nations did not present a timeline for Ukraine to join the military alliance during their summit in July.

But the United States and other Group of Seven nations revealed a plan to provide long-term support to defend Ukraine until it secures NATO membership.

The State Department said, "Our bilateral security commitments will focus on ensuring Ukraine has a sustainable force capable of defending Ukraine now and deterring Russian aggression in the future."

The head of Ukraine's presidential office, Andriy Yermak, also announced the start of the bilateral talks on social media.

He called the US the "biggest strategic partner" of Ukraine and wrote that it is symbolic that the US became the first country with which Ukraine has begun the process.

Yermak said the new framework will support Ukraine as it moves along the path toward becoming a member of NATO and the European Union.