Zelensky States Absence of Clear Defense Guarantee from Allies
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine's partners in Europe have failed to provide sound guarantees that they will defend Ukraine in the case of a new Russian aggression.
"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 stated to the press on Wednesday.
These remarks follow a day after the UK and France inked a statement of purpose on deploying troops in Ukraine if a peace deal to end the war with Russia 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 talks in Paris on the previous day.
Details of the Paris Talks
Following the negotiations in Paris, which included some three dozen nations that form the group termed the 'Coalition of the Willing', UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the UK and France would "establish military hubs across Ukraine" to deter future invasion, while France's President Macron subsequently indicated a significant number of soldiers may be sent.
Allies proposed that the United States would take the lead in monitoring a truce. But the central sticking point of territorial concessions that Ukraine is being pressured to offer to Russia as part of the peace proposals are continuing to be negotiated.
The Russian government has thus far remained silent on the announcement made in the city of Paris.
President Putin initiated a comprehensive military assault of Ukraine in the early months of 2022, and Russian forces currently controls about 20% of Ukraine's land.
The President's Evolving Stance
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 juridical structure under which allied military personnel could operate on Ukraine's territory, protecting Ukrainian airspace and waters, and regenerating Ukraine's armed forces for the years to come."
Zelensky hailed that accord as a "huge step forward".
Twenty-four hours afterward, however, he appeared less optimistic.
"I perceive the determination, the political will, and that the allies are prepared, and the allies are willing to give us robust economic measures, strong security guarantees," he said when questioned if nations in Europe would defend Ukraine.
"But as long as we don't have such binding security pacts - legally binding, endorsed by legislatures, backed by the U.S. Congress - this crucial issue cannot be answered. And should they materialize, you still have to rely first and foremost on your inherent capabilities."
Unresolved Issues and Ongoing Conflict
The Paris talks were also notable owing to the attendance of US President Donald Trump's peace envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
Witkoff said the participating countries "largely finished" their work on agreeing security protocols.
Last week, Zelensky said a settlement was "ninety percent complete".
Territorial concessions and defense pledges have been at the center of unresolved issues for diplomats.
Putin has repeatedly warned that Ukrainian troops must pull back from all of Ukraine's eastern Donbas or Moscow will take control, 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 agreed point - but only if Russia reciprocated the action.
Russian forces now holds about three-quarters of the Donetsk region, and some 99% of the adjacent Luhansk region. The two regions form the industrial Donbas region.
Attacks have been escalating against cities in Ukraine - with a focus on energy infrastructure. Moscow is also achieving incremental advances in seizing additional Ukrainian land.
Ukrainian forces have retaliated at objectives inside Russia with drones, albeit with more limited success.
