Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky Declares Absence of Definitive Defense Guarantee from Partner Nations
President Zelensky has stated that Ukraine's partners in Europe have not given him concrete pledges 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 told reporters on Wednesday.
These remarks follow a day after the UK and France inked a declaration of intent on stationing forces in Ukraine should a ceasefire agreement to conclude the conflict with Moscow is finalized.
However, full security guarantees have yet to be solidified. The US, which has been leading efforts to end the invasion, reportedly did not sign such a pledge at talks in Paris on Tuesday.
Outcomes from the Paris Discussions
After the Paris talks, which included some three dozen nations that comprise the so-called Coalition of the Willing, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the UK and France would "set up operational bases across Ukraine" to prevent any future incursion, while France's President Macron later said thousands of troops may be deployed.
Partner nations suggested that the United States would take the lead in overseeing any ceasefire. But the key issue of territorial concessions that Ukraine is being pressured to offer to Russia as part of the peace proposals are still being discussed.
Moscow has not yet commented on the announcement 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 one-fifth of Ukrainian territory.
Zelensky's Shifting Tone
Sir Keir described the bilateral declaration as "a vital part 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 armed forces for the years to come."
Zelensky hailed that agreement as a "huge step forward".
Twenty-four hours afterward, however, he seemed more cautious.
"I see the will, the political resolve, and that the partners are ready, and the partners are ready to give us strong sanctions, strong security guarantees," he said when questioned if nations in Europe would come to Ukraine's aid.
"However, until we don't have such security guarantees - legally binding, supported by parliaments, backed by the U.S. Congress - this question remains unresolved. And even if they do, you must ultimately depend primarily on your inherent capabilities."
Unresolved Issues and Ongoing Conflict
The Paris talks were also significant owing to the attendance of envoys from former President Trump's administration, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff.
One envoy stated the participating countries "mostly completed" their work on finalizing security arrangements.
Recently, the President indicated a settlement was "ninety percent complete".
Questions of land and security guarantees have been at the forefront of outstanding matters for negotiators.
The Russian leader has consistently stated that Ukraine's military must withdraw 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 ceding any territory, but has proposed that Ukraine could redeploy its forces to an established line - but provided that Russia reciprocated the action.
Moscow currently controls about 75% of the Donetsk oblast, and some nearly all of the neighbouring Luhansk. The pair of oblasts constitute the industrial Donbas region.
It has been intensifying attacks against Ukrainian cities - particularly targeting energy infrastructure. Moscow is also achieving incremental advances in capturing more Ukrainian territory.
Ukraine has hit back at objectives inside Russia with drones, albeit with varying degrees of effectiveness.
