Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky Asserts He Lacks Explicit Security Pledge from Partner Nations
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says European allies have not given him sound guarantees that they will protect his country in the event 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 definitive and straightforward response yet," he told reporters on midweek.
His comments come a day after Britain and France signed a statement of purpose on deploying troops in Ukraine should a ceasefire agreement to conclude the conflict with Moscow is agreed.
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 form the group termed the 'Coalition of the Willing', UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the two nations would "establish military hubs across Ukraine" to prevent any future incursion, while French President Emmanuel Macron subsequently indicated a significant number of soldiers may be deployed.
Partner nations suggested that the US would assume a leading role in overseeing any ceasefire. But the key issue of ceding land that Ukraine is being asked to grant to Russia as a component of the settlement terms are still being discussed.
Moscow has not yet commented on the announcement made in the city of Paris.
President Putin launched a comprehensive military assault of Ukraine in the early months of 2022, and Moscow now occupies about one-fifth of Ukrainian territory.
Zelensky's Shifting Tone
Sir Keir described the bilateral declaration as "a vital part of our commitment to stand with Ukraine for the long-term".
He added: "It establishes the pathway for the legal framework under which allied military personnel could function 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 perceive the determination, 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 nations in Europe would come to Ukraine's aid.
"But as long as we don't have such binding security pacts - legally binding, endorsed by legislatures, backed by the U.S. Congress - this question cannot be answered. 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 notable due to the attendance of envoys from former President Trump's administration, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff.
Witkoff said the participating countries "mostly completed" their work on finalizing security arrangements.
Last week, Zelensky said a peace deal was "ninety percent complete".
Territorial concessions and defense pledges have been at the forefront of unresolved issues for diplomats.
Putin has repeatedly warned that Ukraine's military must withdraw from the entirety of the Donbas region or Russia will seize it, dismissing potential concessions over how to end the war.
Zelensky has so far ruled out ceding any territory, 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 region, and some nearly all of the adjacent Luhansk region. The two regions form the Donbas industrial heartland.
Attacks have been escalating against Ukrainian cities - particularly targeting power facilities. Russia has also made incremental advances in seizing additional Ukrainian land.
Ukrainian forces have retaliated at Russian targets with drones, albeit with more limited success.
