Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky Asserts Absence of Clear Security Pledge from Allies
President Zelensky has stated that Ukraine's partners in Europe have failed to provide solid assurances that they will protect his country in the case of a new Russian aggression.
"I continue to pose this critical question to every one of our allies and thus far, the answer remains elusive a definitive and straightforward response yet," he stated to the press on Wednesday.
These remarks follow a day after Britain and France signed a statement of purpose on stationing forces in Ukraine if a peace deal to end the war with Russia is agreed.
However, full security guarantees have yet to be solidified. 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
After the Paris talks, which included some 30 countries that form the group termed the 'Coalition of the Willing', UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the UK and France would "set up operational bases across Ukraine" to prevent any future incursion, 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 territorial concessions that Ukraine is being pressured to offer to Russia as part of the peace proposals are still being discussed.
Moscow has not yet commented on the declaration made in the city of Paris.
President Putin initiated a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and Moscow now occupies about one-fifth of Ukrainian territory.
Zelensky's Shifting Tone
Sir Keir described the joint statement as "an essential component of our dedication to stand with Ukraine for the foreseeable future".
He continued: "It paves the way for the juridical structure under which allied military personnel could operate on Ukrainian soil, protecting Ukrainian airspace and waters, and regenerating Ukraine's military for the years to come."
The Ukrainian leader praised that accord as a "significant leap of progress".
A day later, however, he appeared less optimistic.
"I perceive the determination, the political will, and that the partners are ready, and the allies are willing to give us strong sanctions, strong security guarantees," he said when asked if European countries would come to Ukraine's aid.
"But as long as we lack such security guarantees - legally binding, supported by parliaments, supported by the United States Congress - this question remains unresolved. And should they materialize, you must ultimately depend first and foremost on your own strength."
Persistent Challenges and Fighting
The Paris talks were also notable due to the presence of US President Donald Trump's peace envoys, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff.
Witkoff said the participating countries "largely finished" their work on finalizing security arrangements.
Last week, Zelensky said a peace deal was "90% ready".
Questions of land and defense pledges have been at the center of outstanding matters for negotiators.
Putin has repeatedly warned that Ukrainian troops must withdraw 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 suggested that Ukraine could redeploy its forces to an agreed point - but provided that Russia did the same.
Moscow now holds about 75% of the Donetsk oblast, and some nearly all of the neighbouring Luhansk. The pair of oblasts constitute the Donbas industrial heartland.
It has been intensifying attacks against Ukrainian cities - particularly targeting energy infrastructure. Moscow is also achieving slow progress in capturing more Ukrainian territory.
Ukraine has hit back at objectives inside Russia with drones, albeit with varying degrees of effectiveness.
