Zelensky Asserts He Lacks Explicit Defense Guarantee from Partner Nations
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine's partners in Europe have not given him concrete pledges that they will defend Ukraine in the event of a fresh offensive by Russia.
"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 stated to the press on midweek.
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 conclude the conflict with Moscow is finalized.
However, full security guarantees have yet to be solidified. The United States, which has been leading efforts to halt the offensive, was reported to have abstained from signing 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 three dozen nations that comprise the so-called Coalition of the Willing, British PM Keir Starmer said the UK and France would "establish military hubs across Ukraine" to deter future invasion, while French President Emmanuel Macron subsequently indicated a significant number of soldiers may be deployed.
Allies proposed that the United States would take the lead in overseeing any ceasefire. But the central sticking point of territorial concessions 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 launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and Moscow now occupies about 20% of Ukraine's land.
The President's Evolving Stance
The UK Prime Minister characterized the bilateral declaration as "an essential component of our commitment to stand with Ukraine for the foreseeable future".
He added: "It paves the way for the juridical structure under which British, French and partner forces could function on Ukraine's territory, protecting Ukrainian airspace and waters, and regenerating Ukraine's military for the future."
The Ukrainian leader praised that agreement as a "huge step forward".
Twenty-four hours afterward, however, he seemed more cautious.
"I see the will, the political will, 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 nations in Europe would defend Ukraine.
"However, until we lack such binding security pacts - formally ratified, endorsed by legislatures, supported by the United States Congress - this question cannot be answered. And even if they do, you must ultimately depend first and foremost on your own strength."
Unresolved Issues and Ongoing Conflict
The Paris talks were also notable due to the attendance of envoys from former President Trump's administration, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
One envoy stated the allies "largely finished" their work on finalizing security arrangements.
Last week, Zelensky said a peace deal was "90% ready".
Territorial concessions and security guarantees have been at the forefront of outstanding matters for negotiators.
The Russian leader has consistently stated that Ukrainian troops must withdraw from the entirety of the Donbas region or Moscow will take control, dismissing potential concessions over how to conclude hostilities.
Zelensky has so far ruled out ceding any territory, but has proposed that Ukraine could redeploy its forces to an agreed point - but only if Russia did the same.
Moscow now holds about three-quarters of the Donetsk region, and some 99% of the adjacent Luhansk region. The pair of oblasts constitute the industrial Donbas region.
Attacks have been escalating against cities in Ukraine - particularly targeting energy infrastructure. Moscow is also achieving slow progress in seizing additional Ukrainian land.
Ukraine has hit back at Russian targets with drones, albeit with varying degrees of effectiveness.