Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky Declares Absence of Clear Defense Guarantee from Partner Nations
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says European allies have not given him sound guarantees that they will protect his country in the case of a fresh offensive by Russia.
"I am asking this very question to every one of our allies and I have not received a definitive and straightforward response yet," he stated to the press on midweek.
His comments come a day after the UK and France signed a declaration of intent on deploying troops in Ukraine if a peace deal to conclude the conflict with Moscow is agreed.
However, comprehensive defense assurances have yet to be solidified. The US, which has been leading efforts to end the invasion, was reported to have abstained from signing such a pledge at talks in Paris on Tuesday.
Outcomes from the Paris Discussions
After the Paris talks, which involved some 30 countries that comprise the so-called Coalition of the Willing, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the two nations would "establish military hubs across Ukraine" to deter future invasion, while France's President Macron later said thousands of troops may be deployed.
Partner nations suggested that the US would assume a leading role in overseeing any ceasefire. But the key issue of territorial concessions that Ukraine is being pressured to offer to Russia as a component of the settlement terms are still being discussed.
The Russian government has thus far remained silent on the announcement made in the French capital.
President Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and Russian forces now occupies about one-fifth of Ukraine's land.
The President's Evolving Stance
The UK Prime Minister characterized the joint statement as "an essential component of our commitment to stand with Ukraine for the long-term".
He continued: "It paves the way for the legal framework under which British, French and partner forces could function on Ukrainian soil, protecting Ukrainian airspace and waters, and rebuilding Ukraine's military for the years to come."
Zelensky hailed that agreement as a "significant leap of progress".
A day later, however, he seemed more cautious.
"I perceive the determination, the political will, and that the allies are prepared, and the partners are ready to give us strong sanctions, powerful defense assurances," he said when asked if European countries would defend Ukraine.
"But as long as we lack such security guarantees - formally ratified, endorsed by legislatures, backed by the U.S. Congress - this question remains unresolved. And should they materialize, you must ultimately depend primarily on your inherent capabilities."
Unresolved Issues and Ongoing Conflict
The Paris talks were also notable due to the attendance of envoys from former President Trump's administration, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff.
Witkoff said the participating countries "largely finished" their work on finalizing security arrangements.
Last week, the President indicated a settlement was "90% ready".
Questions of land and security guarantees have been at the center of outstanding matters for diplomats.
Putin has repeatedly warned that Ukrainian troops must pull back from the entirety of the Donbas region or Russia will seize it, dismissing potential concessions over how to end the war.
Zelensky has so far ruled out ceding any territory, but has suggested that Ukraine could withdraw its troops to an agreed point - but only if Russia reciprocated the action.
Moscow now holds about 75% of the Donetsk region, and some 99% of the neighbouring Luhansk. The pair of oblasts constitute the Donbas industrial heartland.
It has been intensifying attacks against Ukrainian cities - with a focus on power facilities. Russia has also made slow progress in seizing additional Ukrainian land.
Ukraine has hit back at objectives inside Russia with unmanned aerial vehicles, albeit with varying degrees of effectiveness.
