Zelensky States Absence of Clear Security Pledge from Allies
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine's partners in Europe have not given him sound guarantees that they will protect his country in the case of a future Russian attack.
"I am asking this very 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 Britain and France signed a statement of purpose on deploying troops in Ukraine if a peace deal to end the war with Russia is finalized.
However, full security guarantees have not been agreed. The US, which has been spearheading initiatives to halt the offensive, was reported to have abstained from signing such a commitment at discussions held in the French capital on Tuesday.
Outcomes from the Paris Discussions
Following the negotiations in Paris, which included some 30 countries that comprise the so-called Coalition of the Willing, British PM Keir Starmer said the UK and France would "set up operational bases across Ukraine" to prevent any future incursion, while French President Emmanuel Macron subsequently indicated a significant number of soldiers may be deployed.
Partner nations suggested that the United States would take the lead in monitoring a truce. But the central sticking point of ceding land that Ukraine is being pressured to offer to Russia as part of the peace proposals are still being discussed.
Moscow has thus far remained silent on the declaration made in the French capital.
Russian President Vladimir Putin initiated a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and Russian forces currently controls about 20% of Ukrainian territory.
Zelensky's Shifting Tone
Sir Keir described the joint statement as "a vital part of our dedication to support Ukraine for the foreseeable future".
He added: "It paves the way for the juridical structure under which allied military personnel could operate on Ukraine's territory, securing Ukraine's skies and seas, and rebuilding Ukraine's armed forces for the future."
Zelensky hailed that agreement as a "huge step forward".
Twenty-four hours afterward, however, he seemed more cautious.
"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 lack such binding security pacts - formally ratified, supported by parliaments, backed by the U.S. Congress - this question remains unresolved. And should they materialize, you must ultimately depend first and foremost on your own strength."
Persistent Challenges and Fighting
The Paris talks were also significant due to the attendance of envoys from former President Trump's administration, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff.
One envoy stated the allies "mostly completed" their work on finalizing security arrangements.
Last week, Zelensky said a settlement was "90% ready".
Territorial concessions and defense pledges have been at the forefront of outstanding matters for diplomats.
Putin has repeatedly warned that Ukrainian troops must pull back from all of Ukraine's eastern Donbas or Moscow will take control, dismissing potential concessions over how to conclude hostilities.
Zelensky has so far ruled out ceding any territory, but has suggested that Ukraine could withdraw its troops to an established line - but provided that Russia reciprocated the action.
Russian forces currently controls about 75% of the Donetsk region, and some 99% of the neighbouring Luhansk. The two regions constitute the Donbas industrial heartland.
Attacks have been escalating against cities in Ukraine - particularly targeting power facilities. Moscow is also achieving incremental advances in seizing additional Ukrainian land.
Ukraine has hit back at objectives inside Russia with unmanned aerial vehicles, though with varying degrees of effectiveness.
