Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky States He Lacks Definitive Defense Guarantee from Allies
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine's partners in Europe have failed to provide concrete pledges that they will protect his country in the event of a future Russian attack.
"I am asking this very question to all our partners and thus far, the answer remains elusive a clear, unambiguous answer yet," he told reporters on midweek.
His comments come a day after the UK and France inked a declaration of intent on stationing forces in Ukraine should a ceasefire agreement to conclude the conflict with Moscow is reached.
However, comprehensive defense assurances have not been agreed. The US, which has been leading efforts to halt the offensive, was reported to have abstained from signing such a pledge at discussions held in the French capital on the previous day.
Outcomes from the Paris Discussions
Following the negotiations in Paris, which included some three dozen nations that comprise the group termed the 'Coalition of the Willing', British PM Keir Starmer said the two nations would "set up operational bases across Ukraine" to prevent any future incursion, while French President Emmanuel Macron subsequently indicated thousands of troops may be sent.
Partner nations suggested that the US would assume a leading role in monitoring a truce. But the key issue of ceding land that Ukraine is being pressured to offer to Russia as part of the peace proposals are continuing to be negotiated.
The Russian government has thus far remained silent on the announcement made in the city of Paris.
President Putin launched a comprehensive military assault 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 bilateral declaration as "a vital part of our commitment to stand with Ukraine for the long-term".
He added: "It paves the way for the legal framework under which British, French and partner forces could operate on Ukrainian soil, securing Ukraine's skies and seas, and regenerating Ukraine's military for the future."
Zelensky hailed that agreement as a "significant leap of progress".
A day later, however, he seemed more cautious.
"I perceive the determination, the political resolve, and that the allies are prepared, and the allies are willing to give us strong sanctions, powerful defense assurances," he said when asked if nations in Europe would defend Ukraine.
"However, until we lack such binding security pacts - formally ratified, supported by parliaments, backed by the U.S. Congress - this question cannot be answered. And even if they do, you still have to rely first and foremost on your inherent capabilities."
Persistent Challenges and Fighting
Negotiations in Paris were also significant owing to the attendance of envoys from former President Trump's administration, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
One envoy stated the allies "mostly completed" their work on agreeing security protocols.
Last week, the President indicated a peace deal was "ninety percent complete".
Questions of land and security guarantees have been at the center of outstanding matters for diplomats.
Putin has repeatedly warned that Ukrainian troops must withdraw from all of Ukraine's eastern Donbas or Russia will seize it, dismissing potential concessions over how to end the war.
Zelensky has so far ruled out relinquishing any land, but has suggested that Ukraine could withdraw its troops to an agreed point - but provided that Russia reciprocated the action.
Moscow currently controls about 75% of the Donetsk region, and some 99% of the neighbouring Luhansk. The two regions constitute the Donbas industrial heartland.
It has been intensifying attacks against Ukrainian cities - particularly targeting energy infrastructure. Moscow is also achieving slow progress in seizing additional Ukrainian land.
Ukrainian forces have retaliated at Russian targets with unmanned aerial vehicles, though with more limited success.
