Zelensky Asserts He Lacks Explicit Defense Guarantee 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 case of a new Russian aggression.
"I continue to pose this critical question to every one of our allies 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 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 not been agreed. The US, which has been spearheading initiatives to end the invasion, reportedly did not sign such a commitment at talks in Paris on Tuesday.
Details of the Paris Talks
Following the negotiations in Paris, which involved some 30 countries that form 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 a significant number of soldiers may be deployed.
Partner nations suggested that the United States would take the lead in monitoring a truce. But the key issue 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 announcement made in the city of Paris.
President Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in the early months of 2022, and Russian forces now occupies about 20% of Ukraine's land.
Zelensky's Shifting Tone
The UK Prime Minister characterized the joint statement as "a vital part of our dedication 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 operate on Ukraine's territory, protecting Ukrainian airspace and waters, and regenerating Ukraine's armed forces for the years to come."
The Ukrainian leader praised that accord as a "significant leap of progress".
Twenty-four hours afterward, however, he appeared less optimistic.
"I perceive the determination, the political resolve, and that the allies are prepared, and the allies are willing to give us robust economic measures, strong security guarantees," he said when asked if nations in Europe would defend Ukraine.
"However, until we don't have such binding security pacts - formally ratified, supported by parliaments, backed by the U.S. Congress - this crucial issue cannot be answered. And should they materialize, you must ultimately depend primarily on your own strength."
Unresolved Issues and Ongoing Conflict
Negotiations in Paris were also notable due to the attendance of envoys from former President Trump's administration, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
Witkoff said the allies "mostly completed" their work on finalizing security arrangements.
Last week, Zelensky said a peace deal was "90% ready".
Questions of land and security guarantees have been at the center of outstanding matters for negotiators.
Putin has repeatedly warned that Ukraine's military must withdraw from the entirety of the Donbas region or Moscow will take control, rejecting any compromise over how to conclude hostilities.
Zelensky has so far ruled out ceding any territory, but has suggested that Ukraine could withdraw its troops to an agreed point - but provided that Russia reciprocated the action.
Russian forces currently controls about 75% of the Donetsk oblast, and some 99% of the adjacent Luhansk region. The two regions form the industrial Donbas region.
Attacks have been escalating against cities in Ukraine - with a focus on power facilities. Moscow is also achieving slow progress in capturing more Ukrainian territory.
Ukraine has hit back at Russian targets with unmanned aerial vehicles, though with varying degrees of effectiveness.
