Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky Declares He Lacks Explicit Defense Guarantee from Allies
President Zelensky has stated that Ukraine's partners in Europe have failed to provide sound guarantees that they will defend Ukraine in the case of a new Russian aggression.
"I continue to pose this critical question to all our partners and thus far, the answer remains elusive a clear, unambiguous answer yet," he told reporters on Wednesday.
These remarks follow a day after the UK and France signed a statement of purpose 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 United States, which has been leading efforts to halt the offensive, reportedly did not sign such a pledge at discussions held in the French capital on Tuesday.
Outcomes from the Paris Discussions
After the Paris talks, which involved some 30 countries that form the group termed the 'Coalition of the Willing', British PM Keir Starmer said the UK and France would "set up operational bases across Ukraine" to prevent any future incursion, while French President Emmanuel Macron subsequently indicated thousands of troops may be deployed.
Allies proposed that the US would take the lead in overseeing any ceasefire. But the central sticking point of territorial concessions 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 declaration made in the city of Paris.
Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and Moscow currently controls about one-fifth of Ukraine's land.
The President's Evolving Stance
Sir Keir described the bilateral declaration as "an essential component of our dedication to stand with Ukraine for the foreseeable future".
He continued: "It establishes the pathway for the legal framework under which British, French and partner forces could function on Ukraine's territory, protecting Ukrainian airspace and waters, and rebuilding Ukraine's military for the future."
Zelensky hailed that agreement as a "huge step forward".
A day later, however, he seemed more cautious.
"I perceive the determination, the political resolve, and that the partners are ready, and the allies are willing to give us strong sanctions, powerful defense assurances," he said when asked if European countries would defend Ukraine.
"However, until we don't have such security guarantees - legally binding, supported by parliaments, supported by the United States Congress - this crucial issue cannot be answered. And should they materialize, you must ultimately depend first and foremost on your inherent capabilities."
Persistent Challenges and Fighting
Negotiations in Paris 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 agreeing security protocols.
Recently, Zelensky said a peace deal was "90% ready".
Questions of land and defense pledges have been at the forefront of outstanding matters for negotiators.
Putin has repeatedly warned that Ukrainian troops must pull back from the entirety of the Donbas region or Moscow will take control, dismissing potential concessions over how to conclude hostilities.
The Ukrainian President has thus far rejected ceding any territory, but has proposed that Ukraine could redeploy its forces to an established line - but only if Russia reciprocated the action.
Moscow currently controls about three-quarters of the Donetsk region, and some nearly all 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 incremental advances in capturing more Ukrainian territory.
Ukraine has hit back at objectives inside Russia with drones, albeit with varying degrees of effectiveness.
