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 concrete pledges that they will protect his country in the case of a new Russian aggression.
"I continue to pose this critical question to every one of our allies and thus far, the answer remains elusive a definitive and straightforward response yet," he stated to the press on Wednesday.
His comments come a day after the UK and France inked a declaration of intent on deploying troops in Ukraine if a peace deal to end the war with Russia is agreed.
However, comprehensive defense assurances have not been agreed. The US, which has been spearheading initiatives to halt the offensive, reportedly did not sign such a commitment at discussions held in the French capital on the previous day.
Outcomes from the Paris Discussions
After the Paris talks, which included some 30 countries that comprise the so-called Coalition of the Willing, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the two nations would "set up operational bases across Ukraine" to prevent any future incursion, while French President Emmanuel Macron later said a significant number of soldiers may be deployed.
Partner nations suggested that the US would assume a leading role in overseeing any ceasefire. But the central sticking point 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 not yet commented on the announcement made in the French capital.
Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in the early months of 2022, and Moscow currently controls about 20% of Ukraine's land.
The President's Evolving Stance
Sir Keir described the joint statement as "an essential component of our commitment to stand with Ukraine for the long-term".
He added: "It paves the way for the juridical structure under which British, French and partner forces could operate on Ukrainian soil, securing Ukraine's skies and seas, and rebuilding 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 see the will, the political will, and that the partners are ready, and the allies are willing to give us robust economic measures, powerful defense assurances," he said when asked if nations in Europe would defend Ukraine.
"However, until we lack such security guarantees - formally ratified, supported by parliaments, supported by the United States Congress - this question 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 notable due to the presence of envoys from former President Trump's administration, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
Witkoff said the participating countries "largely finished" their work on finalizing security arrangements.
Recently, Zelensky said a settlement was "90% ready".
Territorial concessions and defense pledges have been at the forefront of unresolved issues for diplomats.
The Russian leader has consistently stated that Ukrainian troops must pull back from the entirety of the Donbas region or Moscow will take control, dismissing potential concessions over how to end the war.
The Ukrainian President has thus far rejected 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 75% of the Donetsk oblast, and some nearly all of the adjacent Luhansk region. The pair of oblasts form the Donbas industrial heartland.
It has been intensifying attacks against cities in Ukraine - with a focus on energy infrastructure. Russia has also made slow progress in seizing additional Ukrainian land.
Ukraine has hit back at Russian targets with drones, albeit with more limited success.
