Zelensky States He Lacks Explicit Security Pledge from European Partners
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine's partners in Europe have not given him concrete pledges that they will protect his country in the case of a fresh offensive by Russia.
"I am asking this very question to every one of our allies and thus far, the answer remains elusive a clear, unambiguous answer yet," he told reporters on Wednesday.
His comments come a day after the UK and France signed a declaration of intent on deploying troops in Ukraine should a ceasefire agreement to conclude the conflict with Moscow is reached.
However, full security guarantees have not been agreed. The United States, which has been spearheading initiatives to halt the offensive, reportedly did not sign such a commitment at discussions held in the French capital 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 two nations would "set up operational bases across Ukraine" to deter future invasion, while French President Emmanuel Macron later said a significant number of soldiers may be deployed.
Partner nations suggested that the United States would assume a leading role in monitoring a truce. But the central sticking point of territorial concessions that Ukraine is being asked to grant to Russia as part of the peace proposals are continuing to be negotiated.
Moscow has not yet commented on the declaration made in the French capital.
President Putin initiated a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and Russian forces currently controls about one-fifth of Ukraine's land.
The President's Evolving Stance
Sir Keir described the joint statement as "a vital part of our dedication to stand with Ukraine for the long-term".
He added: "It paves the way for the legal framework under which allied military personnel could function on Ukraine's territory, securing Ukraine's skies and seas, and rebuilding Ukraine's military for the years to come."
Zelensky hailed that agreement as a "significant leap of progress".
A day later, 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, strong security guarantees," he said when questioned if nations in Europe would come to Ukraine's aid.
"However, until we lack such security guarantees - formally ratified, endorsed by legislatures, backed by the U.S. Congress - this question cannot be answered. And should they materialize, you still have to rely primarily on your own strength."
Unresolved Issues and Ongoing Conflict
The Paris talks were also significant owing to the attendance of US President Donald Trump's peace envoys, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff.
Witkoff said the allies "mostly completed" their work on agreeing security protocols.
Recently, the President indicated a peace deal was "ninety percent complete".
Questions of land and security guarantees have been at the forefront of unresolved issues for diplomats.
The Russian leader has consistently stated that Ukraine's military must withdraw from all of Ukraine's eastern Donbas 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 redeploy its forces to an established line - but provided that Russia reciprocated the action.
Russian forces now holds about 75% of the Donetsk oblast, and some 99% of the adjacent Luhansk region. The two regions form the Donbas industrial heartland.
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.
Ukrainian forces have retaliated at objectives inside Russia with unmanned aerial vehicles, though with more limited success.
