Zelensky Asserts Absence of Clear Security Pledge from Partner Nations
President Zelensky has stated that Ukraine's partners in Europe have not given him concrete pledges that they will defend Ukraine in the event of a future Russian attack.
"I am asking this very question to all our partners and thus far, the answer remains elusive a definitive and straightforward response yet," he told reporters on Wednesday.
His comments come a day after Britain and France inked a declaration of intent on stationing forces in Ukraine should a ceasefire agreement to conclude the conflict with Moscow is reached.
However, full security guarantees have not been agreed. The US, which has been leading efforts to halt the offensive, reportedly did not sign such a commitment at talks in Paris on Tuesday.
Outcomes from the Paris Discussions
Following the negotiations in Paris, which included some three dozen nations that comprise the group termed the 'Coalition of the Willing', British PM Keir Starmer said the UK and France would "establish military hubs across Ukraine" to deter future invasion, while France's President Macron later said thousands of troops may be deployed.
Allies proposed that the US would assume a leading role 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.
Moscow has not yet commented on the announcement made in the French capital.
Russian President Vladimir Putin initiated a comprehensive military assault of Ukraine in February 2022, and Moscow currently controls about 20% of Ukraine's land.
The President's Evolving Stance
Sir Keir described the joint statement as "an essential component of our commitment to support Ukraine for the long-term".
He added: "It establishes the pathway for the legal framework under which British, French and partner forces could operate on Ukraine's territory, protecting Ukrainian airspace and waters, and regenerating Ukraine's armed forces for the future."
The Ukrainian leader praised that accord as a "huge step forward".
A day later, however, he seemed more cautious.
"I see the will, the political resolve, and that the partners are ready, and the allies are willing to give us strong sanctions, strong security guarantees," he said when asked if European countries would come to Ukraine's aid.
"However, until we don't have such binding security pacts - formally ratified, supported by parliaments, backed by the U.S. Congress - this question remains unresolved. And even if they do, you still have to rely first and foremost on your inherent capabilities."
Persistent Challenges and Fighting
The Paris talks were also significant due to the attendance of US President Donald Trump's peace envoys, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff.
Witkoff said the participating countries "largely finished" 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 center of outstanding matters for negotiators.
The Russian leader has consistently stated that Ukrainian troops must pull back from all of Ukraine's eastern Donbas or Moscow will take control, dismissing potential concessions over how to end the war.
Zelensky has so far ruled out relinquishing any land, but has proposed that Ukraine could withdraw its troops to an agreed point - but provided that Russia reciprocated the action.
Moscow currently controls about 75% of the Donetsk oblast, and some 99% of the adjacent Luhansk region. The pair of oblasts form the industrial Donbas region.
Attacks have been escalating against Ukrainian cities - with a focus on power facilities. Russia has also made incremental advances in seizing additional Ukrainian land.
Ukrainian forces have retaliated at Russian targets with unmanned aerial vehicles, though with more limited success.
