Zelensky Asserts He Lacks Definitive Defense Guarantee from Partner Nations
President Zelensky has stated that European allies have failed to provide solid assurances 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 thus far, the answer remains elusive a definitive and straightforward response yet," he told reporters on Wednesday.
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 agreed.
However, full security guarantees have not been agreed. The United States, which has been spearheading initiatives to end the invasion, was reported to have abstained from signing such a pledge at discussions held in the French capital on the previous day.
Outcomes from the Paris Discussions
Following the negotiations in Paris, which involved some 30 countries that form the so-called Coalition of the Willing, British PM Keir Starmer said the UK and France would "set up operational bases across Ukraine" to deter future invasion, while French President Emmanuel Macron subsequently indicated a significant number of soldiers may be sent.
Allies proposed 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 a component of the settlement terms are continuing to be negotiated.
The Russian government has thus far remained silent on the declaration made in the city of Paris.
Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a comprehensive military assault of Ukraine in the early months of 2022, and Moscow now occupies about 20% of Ukrainian territory.
The President's Evolving Stance
Sir Keir described the bilateral declaration as "a vital part of our commitment to support Ukraine for the long-term".
He added: "It establishes the pathway for the juridical structure under which British, French and partner forces could function on Ukrainian soil, securing Ukraine's skies and seas, and rebuilding Ukraine's armed forces for the future."
The Ukrainian leader praised that accord as a "significant leap of progress".
Twenty-four hours afterward, 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 questioned if European countries would defend Ukraine.
"But as long as we lack such binding security pacts - formally ratified, endorsed by legislatures, backed by the U.S. Congress - this question remains unresolved. And even if they do, you must ultimately depend first and foremost on your inherent capabilities."
Persistent Challenges and Fighting
Negotiations in Paris were also notable due to the presence 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.
Last week, the President indicated a settlement was "90% ready".
Questions of land and security guarantees have been at the forefront of outstanding matters for negotiators.
Putin has repeatedly warned that Ukrainian troops must pull back from the entirety of the Donbas region or Russia will seize it, rejecting any compromise over how to end the war.
Zelensky has so far ruled out relinquishing any land, but has suggested that Ukraine could redeploy its forces to an agreed point - but provided that Russia reciprocated the action.
Russian forces currently controls about three-quarters of the Donetsk region, and some 99% of the neighbouring Luhansk. The pair of oblasts form the Donbas industrial heartland.
It has been intensifying attacks against Ukrainian cities - with a focus on power facilities. Moscow is also achieving slow progress in seizing additional Ukrainian land.
Ukrainian forces have retaliated at Russian targets with unmanned aerial vehicles, though with varying degrees of effectiveness.
