Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky States He Lacks Clear Security Pledge from European Partners
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine's partners in Europe have failed to provide solid assurances that they will protect his country in the event 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 midweek.
His comments come a day after Britain and France signed a declaration of intent on stationing forces in Ukraine if a peace deal to conclude the conflict with Moscow is agreed.
However, full security guarantees have yet to be solidified. The US, which has been spearheading initiatives to halt the offensive, was reported to have abstained from signing such a pledge 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 group termed the 'Coalition of the Willing', British PM Keir Starmer said the UK and France would "establish military hubs across Ukraine" to prevent any future incursion, while French President Emmanuel Macron later said thousands of troops may be deployed.
Allies proposed that the United States would take the lead in monitoring a truce. But the central sticking point of ceding land that Ukraine is being asked to grant to Russia as a component of the settlement terms are continuing to be negotiated.
The Russian government has thus far remained silent on the announcement made in the city of Paris.
Russian President Vladimir Putin initiated a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and Russian forces now occupies about one-fifth of Ukraine's land.
Zelensky's Shifting Tone
Sir Keir described the bilateral declaration as "a vital part of our dedication to stand with Ukraine for the long-term".
He added: "It establishes the pathway for the legal framework under which British, French and partner forces could function on Ukraine's territory, securing Ukraine's skies and seas, and regenerating Ukraine's armed forces for the years to come."
The Ukrainian leader praised that accord as a "significant leap of progress".
Twenty-four hours afterward, 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 robust economic measures, powerful defense assurances," he said when asked if European countries would defend Ukraine.
"But as long as we don't have such security guarantees - formally ratified, endorsed by legislatures, backed by the U.S. Congress - this crucial issue cannot be answered. And should they materialize, you still have to rely primarily on your inherent capabilities."
Unresolved Issues and Ongoing Conflict
Negotiations in Paris were also notable due to the presence of US President Donald Trump's peace envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
One envoy stated the participating countries "mostly completed" their work on finalizing security arrangements.
Recently, Zelensky said a settlement was "ninety percent complete".
Questions of land and security guarantees have been at the center of unresolved issues for negotiators.
Putin has repeatedly warned that Ukrainian troops must withdraw from the entirety of the Donbas region or Russia will seize it, rejecting any compromise over how to conclude hostilities.
Zelensky has so far ruled out ceding any territory, but has suggested that Ukraine could redeploy its forces to an agreed point - but only if Russia did the same.
Russian forces now holds about three-quarters of the Donetsk region, and some 99% of the neighbouring Luhansk. The two regions constitute the Donbas industrial heartland.
Attacks have been escalating against Ukrainian cities - particularly targeting power facilities. Moscow is also achieving incremental advances in capturing more Ukrainian territory.
Ukraine has hit back at objectives inside Russia with drones, though with more limited success.
