Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky Declares He Lacks Definitive Defense Guarantee from Partner Nations
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says European allies have failed to provide solid assurances that they will protect his country in the case of a future Russian attack.
"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 told reporters on Wednesday.
These remarks follow a day after the UK and France inked a declaration of intent on deploying troops in Ukraine if a peace deal to end the war with Russia is reached.
However, comprehensive defense assurances have not been agreed. The US, which has been leading efforts 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 30 countries that comprise 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 deter future invasion, while France's President Macron subsequently indicated a significant number of soldiers may be sent.
Allies proposed that the US would take the lead in monitoring a truce. But the central sticking point of territorial concessions that Ukraine is being pressured to offer to Russia as part of the peace proposals are still being discussed.
The Russian government has thus far remained silent on the declaration made in the French capital.
President Putin initiated a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in the early months of 2022, and Moscow now occupies about one-fifth of Ukraine's land.
The President's Evolving Stance
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 establishes the pathway for the juridical structure under which allied military personnel could function on Ukrainian soil, protecting Ukrainian airspace and waters, and regenerating Ukraine's military for the future."
The Ukrainian leader praised that agreement as a "huge step forward".
A day later, however, he appeared less optimistic.
"I see the will, the political resolve, 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 don't have such binding security pacts - formally ratified, supported by parliaments, backed by the U.S. Congress - this crucial issue cannot be answered. And should they materialize, you still have to rely first and foremost on your inherent capabilities."
Unresolved Issues and Ongoing Conflict
Negotiations in Paris were also significant due to the presence of envoys from former President Trump's administration, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
Witkoff said the participating countries "mostly completed" their work on agreeing security protocols.
Last week, Zelensky said a peace deal was "90% ready".
Territorial concessions and security guarantees have been at the center of unresolved issues for diplomats.
The Russian leader has consistently stated 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 established line - but provided that Russia did the same.
Moscow currently controls about 75% of the Donetsk oblast, and some nearly all of the adjacent Luhansk region. The pair of oblasts form the industrial Donbas region.
It has been intensifying attacks against Ukrainian cities - particularly targeting energy infrastructure. Russia has also made slow progress in capturing more Ukrainian territory.
Ukraine has hit back at Russian targets with drones, though with varying degrees of effectiveness.
