Zelensky States Absence of Definitive Defense Guarantee from Partner Nations
President Zelensky has stated that Ukraine's partners in Europe have not given him concrete pledges that they will defend Ukraine in the event of a new Russian aggression.
"I am asking this very question to all our partners and thus far, the answer remains elusive a definitive and straightforward response yet," he stated to the press on midweek.
His comments come a day after the UK and France inked a declaration of intent on stationing forces in Ukraine if a peace deal to conclude the conflict with Moscow is reached.
However, comprehensive defense assurances have yet to be solidified. The United States, which has been leading efforts to halt the offensive, reportedly did not sign such a pledge at talks in Paris on the previous day.
Outcomes from the Paris Discussions
After the Paris talks, which included some 30 countries that comprise the so-called Coalition of the Willing, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the UK and France would "set up operational bases across Ukraine" to deter future invasion, while French President Emmanuel Macron subsequently indicated a significant number of soldiers may be deployed.
Partner nations suggested that the US would take the lead in overseeing any ceasefire. But the central sticking point of ceding land that Ukraine is being asked to grant to Russia as part of the peace proposals are continuing to be negotiated.
The Russian government has thus far remained silent on the declaration made in the French capital.
President Putin initiated a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and Russian forces now occupies about 20% of Ukrainian territory.
Zelensky's Shifting Tone
Sir Keir described the joint statement as "a vital part of our commitment to support Ukraine for the long-term".
He added: "It paves the way for the legal framework under which British, French and partner forces could function on Ukrainian soil, protecting Ukrainian airspace and waters, and rebuilding Ukraine's military for the future."
Zelensky hailed that agreement as a "significant leap of progress".
Twenty-four hours afterward, 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 strong sanctions, strong security guarantees," he said when asked if nations in Europe would come to Ukraine's aid.
"But as long as we lack such security guarantees - formally ratified, supported by parliaments, supported by the United States Congress - this crucial issue remains unresolved. And even if they do, you must ultimately depend primarily on your own strength."
Unresolved Issues and Ongoing Conflict
The Paris talks were also significant due 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 agreeing security protocols.
Last week, Zelensky said a settlement was "ninety percent complete".
Questions of land and defense pledges have been at the forefront of unresolved issues for negotiators.
Putin has repeatedly warned that Ukrainian troops must pull back from all of Ukraine's eastern Donbas or Moscow will take control, rejecting any compromise 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 provided that Russia did the same.
Russian forces currently controls about 75% of the Donetsk region, and some 99% of the neighbouring Luhansk. The pair of oblasts constitute the Donbas industrial heartland.
Attacks have been escalating against Ukrainian cities - particularly targeting power facilities. Moscow is also achieving incremental advances in seizing additional Ukrainian land.
Ukrainian forces have retaliated at objectives inside Russia with drones, though with more limited success.
