Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky Asserts He Lacks Definitive Security Pledge from Allies
President Zelensky has stated that Ukraine's partners in Europe have not given him concrete pledges that they will protect his country in the case of a fresh offensive by Russia.
"I continue to pose this critical question to all our partners and I have not received a clear, unambiguous answer yet," he told reporters on midweek.
These remarks follow a day after the UK and France signed a statement of purpose on deploying troops in Ukraine if a peace deal to end the war with Russia is agreed.
However, full security guarantees have yet to be solidified. The US, which has been spearheading initiatives to end the invasion, reportedly did not sign such a commitment at talks in Paris on Tuesday.
Details of the Paris Talks
Following the negotiations in Paris, which involved some three dozen nations that form 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 subsequently indicated a significant number of soldiers may be sent.
Allies proposed that the United States would take the lead in overseeing any ceasefire. But the key issue of territorial concessions that Ukraine is being asked to grant 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 full-scale invasion of Ukraine in the early months of 2022, and Russian forces now occupies about 20% of Ukrainian territory.
Zelensky's Shifting Tone
The UK Prime Minister characterized the bilateral declaration as "an essential component of our commitment to support Ukraine for the foreseeable future".
He added: "It paves the way for the juridical structure under which British, French and partner forces could operate on Ukraine's territory, securing Ukraine's skies and seas, and rebuilding Ukraine's armed forces for the future."
Zelensky hailed that agreement as a "significant leap of progress".
Twenty-four hours afterward, however, he appeared less optimistic.
"I perceive the determination, the political will, and that the partners are ready, and the allies are willing to give us strong sanctions, strong security guarantees," he said when asked if European countries would defend Ukraine.
"But as long as we lack such binding security pacts - formally ratified, endorsed by legislatures, supported by the United States Congress - this crucial issue remains unresolved. And should they materialize, you still have to rely first and foremost on your own strength."
Unresolved Issues and Ongoing Conflict
The Paris talks were also significant due to the attendance of envoys from former President Trump's administration, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
Witkoff said the allies "mostly completed" their work on finalizing security arrangements.
Last week, the President indicated a settlement was "90% ready".
Territorial concessions and security guarantees have been at the forefront of outstanding matters for negotiators.
The Russian leader has consistently stated that Ukrainian troops must pull back from the entirety of the Donbas region or Moscow will take control, rejecting any compromise 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 established line - but only if Russia did the same.
Russian forces currently controls about three-quarters of the Donetsk oblast, and some 99% of the neighbouring Luhansk. The two regions form the Donbas industrial heartland.
Attacks have been escalating against cities in Ukraine - particularly targeting energy infrastructure. Russia has also made incremental advances in capturing more Ukrainian territory.
Ukraine has hit back at Russian targets with drones, though with varying degrees of effectiveness.
