Zelensky Declares Absence of Explicit Defense Guarantee from Allies
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says European allies have failed to provide solid assurances that they will protect his country in the event of a future Russian attack.
"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.
His comments come a day after Britain and France inked a declaration of intent on deploying troops in Ukraine should a ceasefire agreement to end the war with Russia is finalized.
However, full security guarantees have yet to be solidified. The United States, which has been spearheading initiatives to halt the offensive, was reported to have abstained from signing such a commitment at discussions held in the French capital on the previous day.
Details of the Paris Talks
Following the negotiations in Paris, which involved some 30 countries that comprise the so-called Coalition of the Willing, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the two nations would "set up operational bases across Ukraine" to prevent any future incursion, while France's President Macron later said a significant number of soldiers may be sent.
Allies proposed that the US 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 declaration made in the French capital.
Russian President Vladimir Putin initiated a comprehensive military assault of Ukraine in the early months of 2022, and Russian forces currently controls about one-fifth of Ukraine's land.
Zelensky's Shifting Tone
Sir Keir described the bilateral declaration as "a vital part of our commitment to stand with Ukraine for the foreseeable future".
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 military 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 partners are ready, and the allies are willing to give us robust economic measures, powerful defense assurances," he said when asked if nations in Europe would come to Ukraine's aid.
"But as long as we don't have such security guarantees - legally binding, supported by parliaments, backed by the U.S. Congress - this question cannot be answered. And should they materialize, you must ultimately depend primarily on your inherent capabilities."
Unresolved Issues and Ongoing Conflict
The Paris talks were also notable owing to the presence 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 settlement was "90% ready".
Territorial concessions and defense pledges have been at the center of outstanding matters for diplomats.
Putin has repeatedly warned 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.
The Ukrainian President has thus far rejected ceding any territory, but has proposed that Ukraine could withdraw its troops to an agreed point - but only if Russia reciprocated the action.
Russian forces now holds about 75% of the Donetsk oblast, and some nearly all of the neighbouring Luhansk. The pair of oblasts form the industrial Donbas region.
Attacks have been escalating against cities in Ukraine - particularly targeting power facilities. Moscow is also achieving incremental advances in seizing additional Ukrainian land.
Ukraine has hit back at objectives inside Russia with unmanned aerial vehicles, though with more limited success.