Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky Asserts He Lacks Explicit Security Pledge from Partner Nations
President Zelensky has stated that European allies have failed to provide solid assurances that they will defend Ukraine in the case of a fresh offensive by Russia.
"I am asking this very question to all our partners and I have not received a definitive and straightforward response yet," he stated to the press on Wednesday.
His comments come a day after Britain and France signed a statement of purpose on stationing forces in Ukraine should a ceasefire agreement to end the war with Russia is agreed.
However, full security guarantees have not been agreed. The United States, which has been leading efforts to end the invasion, was reported to have abstained from signing such a commitment at talks in Paris on Tuesday.
Outcomes from the Paris Discussions
Following the negotiations in Paris, which involved some 30 countries that form the group termed the 'Coalition of the Willing', British PM Keir Starmer said the two nations would "set up operational bases across Ukraine" to deter future invasion, while France's President Macron later said thousands of troops may be sent.
Allies proposed that the United States would assume a leading role 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 comprehensive military assault of Ukraine in February 2022, and Russian forces now occupies about one-fifth of Ukrainian territory.
Zelensky's Shifting Tone
Sir Keir described the joint statement as "an essential component of our dedication to stand with Ukraine for the foreseeable future".
He added: "It establishes the pathway for the juridical structure under which British, French and partner forces could function on Ukrainian soil, protecting Ukrainian airspace and waters, and regenerating Ukraine's armed forces for the future."
Zelensky hailed that accord as a "huge step forward".
Twenty-four hours afterward, however, he seemed more cautious.
"I perceive the determination, the political resolve, and that the partners are ready, and the partners are ready to give us robust economic measures, strong security guarantees," he said when asked if European countries would come to Ukraine's aid.
"However, until we don't have 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."
Unresolved Issues and Ongoing Conflict
Negotiations in Paris were also notable due to the attendance of envoys from former President Trump's administration, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
One envoy stated the participating countries "largely finished" their work on agreeing security protocols.
Last week, Zelensky said a peace deal was "ninety percent complete".
Territorial concessions and defense pledges have been at the forefront of unresolved issues for negotiators.
The Russian leader has consistently stated that Ukraine's military must pull back from all of Ukraine's eastern Donbas or Moscow will take control, rejecting any compromise over how to end the war.
The Ukrainian President has thus far rejected relinquishing any land, but has proposed that Ukraine could withdraw its troops to an established line - but provided that Russia reciprocated the action.
Russian forces now holds about 75% of the Donetsk oblast, and some 99% of the adjacent Luhansk region. The pair of oblasts constitute the industrial Donbas region.
It has been intensifying attacks against cities in Ukraine - particularly targeting energy infrastructure. Russia has also made incremental advances in capturing more Ukrainian territory.
Ukraine has hit back at objectives inside Russia with unmanned aerial vehicles, though with more limited success.
