Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky Declares He Lacks Definitive Defense Guarantee from Allies
President Zelensky has stated that Ukraine's partners in Europe have not given him concrete pledges that they will defend Ukraine in the event of a future Russian attack.
"I continue to pose this critical question to every one of our allies and thus far, the answer remains elusive a clear, unambiguous answer yet," he stated to the press on midweek.
His comments come a day after the UK and France signed a declaration of intent on deploying troops in Ukraine if a peace deal to conclude the conflict with Moscow is agreed.
However, comprehensive defense assurances 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 talks in Paris on the previous day.
Details of the Paris Talks
Following the negotiations in Paris, which included some 30 countries that form the group termed the '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 subsequently indicated thousands of troops may be deployed.
Partner nations suggested that the US 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 still being discussed.
The Russian government has not yet commented on the announcement made in the French capital.
President Putin launched a comprehensive military assault of Ukraine in the early months of 2022, and Moscow now occupies about 20% of Ukraine's land.
Zelensky's Shifting Tone
Sir Keir described the joint statement as "a vital part of our commitment to stand with Ukraine for the foreseeable future".
He continued: "It paves the way for the juridical structure under which allied military personnel 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 "huge step forward".
A day later, however, he appeared less optimistic.
"I see the will, the political will, and that the allies are prepared, and the allies are willing to give us robust economic measures, strong security guarantees," he said when asked if European countries would defend Ukraine.
"But as long as we lack such security guarantees - legally binding, endorsed by legislatures, supported by the United States Congress - this crucial issue cannot be answered. And even if they do, you still have to rely primarily on your own strength."
Unresolved Issues and Ongoing Conflict
The Paris talks were also notable due to the attendance of US President Donald Trump's peace envoys, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff.
One envoy stated the allies "mostly completed" their work on agreeing security protocols.
Recently, Zelensky said a settlement was "90% ready".
Territorial concessions and defense pledges have been at the forefront of unresolved issues for negotiators.
Putin has repeatedly warned that Ukrainian troops must withdraw from all of Ukraine's eastern Donbas or Russia will seize it, dismissing potential concessions over how to conclude hostilities.
Zelensky has so far ruled out ceding any territory, but has suggested that Ukraine could redeploy its forces to an agreed point - but provided that Russia did the same.
Russian forces currently controls about 75% of the Donetsk region, and some nearly all of the adjacent Luhansk region. The two regions form the Donbas industrial heartland.
Attacks have been escalating against Ukrainian cities - particularly targeting 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.
