Zelensky States He Lacks Explicit Security Pledge from Partner Nations
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says European allies have failed to provide solid assurances that they will defend Ukraine in the event of a new Russian aggression.
"I continue to pose this critical question to every one of our allies and I have not received a clear, unambiguous answer yet," he told reporters on midweek.
These remarks follow a day after the UK and France signed a declaration of intent on deploying troops in Ukraine should a ceasefire agreement to end the war with Russia is reached.
However, comprehensive defense assurances have not been agreed. The US, which has been leading efforts to end the invasion, reportedly did not sign such a pledge at talks in Paris on Tuesday.
Details of the Paris Talks
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 two nations would "set up operational bases across Ukraine" to prevent any future incursion, while French President Emmanuel Macron later said a significant number of soldiers may be deployed.
Partner nations suggested that the US would assume a leading role in monitoring a truce. But the central sticking point of territorial concessions that Ukraine is being asked to grant 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.
President Putin initiated a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in the early months of 2022, and Moscow currently controls about one-fifth 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 continued: "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 regenerating Ukraine's military for the years to come."
The Ukrainian leader praised that accord as a "huge step forward".
Twenty-four hours afterward, however, he appeared less optimistic.
"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 questioned if European countries would come to Ukraine's aid.
"But as long as we lack such binding security pacts - formally ratified, supported by parliaments, supported by the United States Congress - this crucial issue remains unresolved. And should they materialize, you still have to rely primarily on your own strength."
Unresolved Issues and Ongoing Conflict
The Paris talks were also notable due to the attendance of US President Donald Trump's peace envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
Witkoff said the participating countries "mostly completed" their work on agreeing security protocols.
Recently, the President indicated a peace deal was "ninety percent complete".
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 pull back from all of Ukraine's eastern Donbas or Russia will seize it, dismissing potential concessions over how to end the war.
The Ukrainian President has thus far rejected ceding any territory, but has suggested that Ukraine could withdraw its troops to an agreed point - but only if Russia did the same.
Moscow currently controls about three-quarters of the Donetsk oblast, and some 99% of the adjacent Luhansk region. The pair of oblasts form the industrial Donbas region.
It has been intensifying attacks against cities in Ukraine - with a focus on energy infrastructure. Russia has also made incremental advances in capturing more Ukrainian territory.
Ukraine has hit back at Russian targets with unmanned aerial vehicles, albeit with more limited success.
