Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky Asserts Absence of Clear Defense Guarantee from Allies
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says 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 continue to pose this critical question to every one of our allies and I have not received a clear, unambiguous answer yet," he told reporters on Wednesday.
His comments come a day after Britain and France signed a declaration of intent on deploying troops in Ukraine should a ceasefire agreement to end the war with Russia is reached.
However, comprehensive defense assurances have yet to be solidified. The US, which has been leading efforts to end the invasion, 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 group termed the 'Coalition of the Willing', UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the UK and France would "establish military hubs across Ukraine" to prevent any future incursion, while France's President Macron later said thousands of troops may be sent.
Allies proposed that the US would take the lead in overseeing any ceasefire. But the central sticking point of territorial concessions that Ukraine is being asked to grant to Russia as a component of the settlement terms are still being discussed.
Moscow has not yet commented on the declaration made in the French capital.
President Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in the early months of 2022, and Russian forces now occupies about one-fifth of Ukraine's land.
Zelensky's Shifting Tone
Sir Keir described the joint statement as "an essential component of our dedication to stand with Ukraine for the foreseeable future".
He added: "It establishes the pathway for the legal framework under which allied military personnel could operate on Ukrainian soil, securing Ukraine's skies and seas, and regenerating Ukraine's military for the future."
Zelensky hailed that accord as a "significant leap of progress".
A day later, however, he seemed more cautious.
"I see the will, the political resolve, and that the allies are prepared, and the partners are ready to give us strong sanctions, powerful defense assurances," he said when asked if European countries would defend Ukraine.
"However, until we don't have such security guarantees - legally binding, supported by parliaments, supported by the United States Congress - this question 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 presence of envoys from former President Trump's administration, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
One envoy stated the participating countries "mostly completed" their work on agreeing security protocols.
Last week, the President indicated a settlement was "90% ready".
Territorial concessions and security guarantees have been at the forefront of unresolved issues for negotiators.
The Russian leader has consistently stated that Ukrainian troops must withdraw from the entirety of the Donbas region or Russia will seize it, dismissing potential concessions over how to conclude hostilities.
The Ukrainian President has thus far rejected relinquishing any land, but has suggested that Ukraine could withdraw its troops to an agreed point - but provided that Russia reciprocated the action.
Russian forces currently controls about three-quarters of the Donetsk oblast, and some 99% of the neighbouring Luhansk. The pair of oblasts form the industrial Donbas region.
It has been intensifying attacks against Ukrainian cities - with a focus on energy infrastructure. Russia has also made incremental advances in capturing more Ukrainian territory.
Ukrainian forces have retaliated at objectives inside Russia with drones, though with more limited success.
