Zelensky Asserts He Lacks Explicit Defense Guarantee from European Partners
President Zelensky has stated that Ukraine's partners in Europe have failed to provide concrete pledges that they will defend Ukraine in the case of a new Russian aggression.
"I am asking this very question to all our partners and I have not received a clear, unambiguous answer yet," he stated to the press on Wednesday.
His comments come a day after Britain 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, comprehensive defense assurances have not been agreed. The US, which has been leading efforts to halt the offensive, reportedly did not sign such a pledge at talks in Paris on Tuesday.
Details of the Paris Talks
After the Paris talks, which involved some three dozen nations 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 French President Emmanuel Macron subsequently indicated thousands of troops may be deployed.
Partner nations suggested that the US would assume a leading role in overseeing any ceasefire. But the key issue 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 declaration made in the city of Paris.
Russian President Vladimir Putin initiated a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in the early months of 2022, and Moscow now occupies about 20% of Ukrainian territory.
Zelensky's Shifting Tone
The UK Prime Minister characterized the bilateral declaration as "an essential component of our commitment 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 Ukrainian soil, 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 see the will, the political will, and that the allies are prepared, and the partners are ready to give us strong sanctions, strong security guarantees," he said when questioned if nations in Europe would defend Ukraine.
"However, until we lack such binding security pacts - legally binding, 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 notable due to the attendance of envoys from former President Trump's administration, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff.
One envoy stated the participating countries "largely finished" their work on agreeing security protocols.
Recently, Zelensky said a peace deal was "ninety percent complete".
Questions of land and security guarantees have been at the forefront of outstanding matters for diplomats.
The Russian leader has consistently stated that Ukrainian troops must pull back from all of Ukraine's eastern Donbas or Moscow will take control, dismissing potential concessions over how to conclude hostilities.
Zelensky has so far ruled out ceding any territory, but has proposed that Ukraine could redeploy its forces to an agreed point - but only if Russia reciprocated the action.
Moscow currently controls about three-quarters of the Donetsk oblast, and some 99% of the neighbouring Luhansk. The two regions form the industrial Donbas region.
Attacks have been escalating against Ukrainian cities - particularly targeting power facilities. Moscow is also achieving incremental advances in capturing more Ukrainian territory.
Ukrainian forces have retaliated at objectives inside Russia with drones, though with more limited success.
