Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky Asserts He Lacks Clear Defense Guarantee from Allies
President Zelensky has stated that European allies have not given him sound guarantees that they will protect his country in the case of a fresh offensive by Russia.
"I continue to pose this critical question to all our partners and thus far, the answer remains elusive 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 end the war with Russia is finalized.
However, full security guarantees have yet to be solidified. The United States, which has been spearheading initiatives 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
Following the negotiations in Paris, which involved some three dozen nations that form the so-called Coalition of the Willing, British PM Keir Starmer said the two nations would "establish military hubs across Ukraine" to deter future invasion, while France's President Macron later said a significant number of soldiers may be sent.
Allies proposed that the United States would assume a leading role in monitoring a truce. 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 continuing to be negotiated.
The Russian government has thus far remained silent on the announcement made in the French capital.
Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a comprehensive military assault of Ukraine in the early months of 2022, and Russian forces currently controls about one-fifth of Ukrainian territory.
Zelensky's Shifting Tone
The UK Prime Minister characterized the joint statement as "an essential component of our dedication to support Ukraine for the long-term".
He added: "It paves the way for the legal framework under which allied military personnel could function on Ukraine's territory, protecting Ukrainian airspace and waters, and rebuilding Ukraine's armed forces for the future."
Zelensky hailed that accord as a "huge step forward".
Twenty-four hours afterward, however, he appeared less optimistic.
"I perceive the determination, the political will, and that the partners are ready, and the partners are ready to give us strong sanctions, strong security guarantees," he said when asked if nations in Europe would defend Ukraine.
"However, until we don't have such binding security pacts - formally ratified, supported by parliaments, supported by the United States Congress - this question remains unresolved. And should they materialize, you must ultimately depend first and foremost on your own strength."
Unresolved Issues and Ongoing Conflict
The Paris talks were also notable owing to the presence of envoys from former President Trump's administration, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff.
One envoy stated the allies "largely finished" their work on agreeing security protocols.
Last week, Zelensky said a peace deal was "ninety percent complete".
Questions of land and defense pledges have been at the center of unresolved issues for diplomats.
Putin has repeatedly warned that Ukraine's military must withdraw from all of Ukraine's eastern Donbas or Russia will seize it, rejecting any compromise over how to end the war.
Zelensky has so far ruled out ceding any territory, but has proposed that Ukraine could withdraw its troops to an agreed point - but only if Russia did the same.
Moscow currently controls about 75% of the Donetsk oblast, and some 99% of the adjacent Luhansk region. The two regions constitute the industrial Donbas region.
Attacks have been escalating against Ukrainian cities - particularly targeting power facilities. Russia has also made slow progress in capturing more Ukrainian territory.
Ukraine has hit back at Russian targets with drones, albeit with varying degrees of effectiveness.
