Zelensky Asserts He Lacks Definitive Defense Guarantee from Allies
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says European allies have not given him concrete pledges that they will protect his country in the case of a new Russian aggression.
"I am asking this very question to all our partners and I have not received a definitive and straightforward response yet," he stated to the press on midweek.
These remarks follow a day after Britain and France signed a statement of purpose on stationing forces in Ukraine should a ceasefire agreement to conclude the conflict with Moscow is finalized.
However, full security guarantees have yet to be solidified. The US, which has been spearheading initiatives to end the invasion, was reported to have abstained from signing such a pledge at discussions held in the French capital on Tuesday.
Outcomes from the Paris Discussions
After the Paris talks, which involved some three dozen nations that comprise the group termed the 'Coalition of the Willing', British PM Keir Starmer said the two nations would "set up operational bases across Ukraine" to deter future invasion, while France's President Macron subsequently indicated a significant number of soldiers may be deployed.
Partner nations suggested that the United States would take the lead in overseeing any ceasefire. But the central sticking point of territorial concessions that Ukraine is being asked to grant to Russia as part of the peace proposals are still being discussed.
Moscow has thus far remained silent on the announcement made in the French capital.
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.
The President's Evolving Stance
Sir Keir described the joint statement as "a vital part of our dedication to support Ukraine for the foreseeable future".
He continued: "It establishes the pathway for the juridical structure under which allied military personnel could function on Ukrainian soil, protecting Ukrainian airspace and waters, and regenerating Ukraine's armed forces for the years to come."
The Ukrainian leader praised that agreement as a "huge step forward".
A day later, however, he appeared less optimistic.
"I see the will, the political resolve, and that the allies are prepared, and the partners are ready to give us robust economic measures, strong security guarantees," he said when asked if nations in Europe would come to Ukraine's aid.
"However, until we lack such security guarantees - formally ratified, supported by parliaments, backed by the U.S. Congress - this question cannot be answered. And should they materialize, you still have to rely first and foremost on your inherent capabilities."
Unresolved Issues and Ongoing Conflict
The Paris talks were also significant owing to the presence of envoys from former President Trump's administration, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff.
One envoy stated the participating countries "largely finished" their work on finalizing security arrangements.
Recently, Zelensky said a settlement was "90% ready".
Territorial concessions and defense pledges have been at the forefront of unresolved issues for negotiators.
Putin has repeatedly warned that Ukraine's military must pull back from all of Ukraine's eastern Donbas or Russia will seize it, rejecting any compromise over how to conclude hostilities.
Zelensky has so far ruled out relinquishing any land, 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 three-quarters of the Donetsk region, and some nearly all of the neighbouring Luhansk. The two regions constitute the industrial Donbas region.
It has been intensifying attacks against Ukrainian cities - with a focus on power facilities. Russia has also made incremental advances in capturing more Ukrainian territory.
Ukraine has hit back at objectives inside Russia with unmanned aerial vehicles, though with varying degrees of effectiveness.
