Zelensky Asserts Absence of Explicit 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 case of a future Russian attack.
"I continue to pose this critical question to every one of our allies and I have not received a definitive and straightforward response yet," he stated to the press on midweek.
His comments come a day after the UK and France signed a declaration of intent on stationing forces in Ukraine if a peace deal to conclude the conflict with Moscow is agreed.
However, comprehensive defense assurances have not been agreed. The United States, which has been spearheading initiatives to halt the offensive, reportedly did not sign such a commitment at discussions held in the French capital on Tuesday.
Details of the Paris Talks
After the Paris talks, which involved some 30 countries that form 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 deter future invasion, while France's President Macron later said thousands of troops may be deployed.
Partner nations suggested that the US would assume a leading role in monitoring a truce. But the key issue of territorial concessions that Ukraine is being pressured to offer to Russia as part of the peace proposals are continuing to be negotiated.
Moscow 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 now occupies about 20% of Ukrainian territory.
Zelensky's Shifting Tone
The UK Prime Minister characterized the joint statement as "a vital part of our commitment 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 operate on Ukrainian soil, 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".
A day later, 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 robust economic measures, strong security guarantees," he said when questioned if European countries would come to Ukraine's aid.
"However, until we don't have such binding security pacts - legally binding, endorsed by legislatures, backed by the U.S. Congress - this question remains unresolved. And should they materialize, you still have to rely primarily on your inherent capabilities."
Unresolved Issues and Ongoing Conflict
The Paris talks were also notable owing to the attendance of envoys from former President Trump's administration, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
Witkoff said the allies "largely finished" their work on finalizing security arrangements.
Recently, the President indicated a settlement was "90% ready".
Territorial concessions and security guarantees have been at the center 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 Russia will seize it, dismissing potential concessions over how to conclude hostilities.
Zelensky has so far ruled out ceding any territory, but has proposed that Ukraine could redeploy its forces to an established line - but provided that Russia did the same.
Russian forces currently controls about 75% of the Donetsk region, and some 99% of the adjacent Luhansk region. The pair of oblasts constitute the Donbas industrial heartland.
Attacks have been escalating against Ukrainian cities - with a focus on energy infrastructure. Moscow is also achieving incremental advances in capturing more Ukrainian territory.
Ukraine has hit back at objectives inside Russia with unmanned aerial vehicles, albeit with more limited success.
