Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky States He Lacks Explicit Security Pledge from Allies
President Zelensky has stated that European allies have failed to provide sound guarantees that they will protect his country in the case of a fresh offensive by Russia.
"I am asking this very question to all our partners and thus far, the answer remains elusive a clear, unambiguous answer yet," he told reporters on midweek.
His comments come a day after the UK and France signed a statement of purpose on stationing forces in Ukraine should a ceasefire agreement to conclude the conflict with Moscow is finalized.
However, full security guarantees have yet to be solidified. The US, which has been leading efforts to halt the offensive, 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 involved some 30 countries that comprise the group termed the 'Coalition of the Willing', British PM Keir Starmer said the two nations would "set up operational bases across Ukraine" to deter future invasion, while French President Emmanuel Macron later said a significant number of soldiers may be sent.
Partner nations suggested that the United States would take the lead in overseeing any ceasefire. But the central sticking point of ceding land that Ukraine is being pressured to offer to Russia as part of the peace proposals are continuing to be negotiated.
Moscow has not yet commented on the declaration made in the French capital.
Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a comprehensive military assault of Ukraine in February 2022, and Moscow now occupies about 20% of Ukrainian territory.
The President's Evolving Stance
Sir Keir described the bilateral declaration as "an essential component of our commitment to stand with Ukraine for the foreseeable future".
He continued: "It establishes the pathway for the juridical structure under which British, French and partner forces could operate on Ukrainian soil, protecting Ukrainian airspace and waters, and regenerating Ukraine's armed forces for the years to come."
The Ukrainian leader praised that agreement as a "significant leap of progress".
Twenty-four hours afterward, however, he seemed more cautious.
"I perceive the determination, the political resolve, and that the partners are ready, and the partners are ready to give us robust economic measures, powerful defense assurances," he said when questioned if European countries would defend Ukraine.
"But as long as we don't have such security guarantees - legally binding, endorsed by legislatures, supported by the United States Congress - this question remains unresolved. And should they materialize, you still have to rely primarily on your inherent capabilities."
Unresolved Issues and Ongoing Conflict
The Paris talks were also notable owing to the attendance of envoys from former President Trump's administration, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
One envoy stated the allies "mostly completed" their work on agreeing security protocols.
Last week, Zelensky said a settlement was "ninety percent complete".
Territorial concessions and security guarantees have been at the center of outstanding matters 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 conclude hostilities.
The Ukrainian President has thus far rejected ceding any territory, but has suggested that Ukraine could withdraw its troops to an agreed point - but provided that Russia did the same.
Moscow currently controls about three-quarters of the Donetsk oblast, and some nearly all of the adjacent Luhansk region. The pair of oblasts form the Donbas industrial heartland.
It has been intensifying attacks against Ukrainian cities - particularly targeting power facilities. Russia has also made slow progress in seizing additional Ukrainian land.
Ukraine has hit back at objectives inside Russia with drones, though with more limited success.
