Zelensky Declares Absence of Definitive Defense Guarantee from Allies
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says European allies have failed to provide concrete pledges that they will protect his country in the case of a future Russian attack.
"I am asking this very question to all our partners and thus far, the answer remains elusive a clear, unambiguous answer yet," he told reporters on midweek.
These remarks follow a day after the UK and France inked a statement of purpose on deploying troops in Ukraine should a ceasefire agreement to conclude the conflict with Moscow is reached.
However, full security guarantees have yet to be solidified. The US, which has been leading efforts to end the invasion, was reported to have abstained from signing such a pledge at discussions held in the French capital on the previous day.
Outcomes from the Paris Discussions
After the Paris talks, which involved some three dozen nations that comprise the so-called Coalition of the Willing, British PM 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 a significant number of soldiers may be sent.
Partner nations suggested that the United States would assume a leading role in monitoring a truce. But the central sticking point of territorial concessions that Ukraine is being pressured to offer to Russia as a component of the settlement terms are still being discussed.
The Russian government has not yet commented on the announcement made in the French capital.
Russian President Vladimir Putin initiated a comprehensive military assault of Ukraine in February 2022, and Moscow 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 dedication to stand with Ukraine for the foreseeable future".
He continued: "It establishes the pathway for the juridical structure under which British, French and partner forces could function on Ukrainian soil, protecting Ukrainian airspace and waters, and rebuilding Ukraine's military for the years to come."
Zelensky hailed that accord as a "significant leap of progress".
A day later, however, he seemed more cautious.
"I see the will, 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 questioned if nations in Europe would come to Ukraine's aid.
"But as long as we lack such security guarantees - legally binding, supported by parliaments, backed by the U.S. Congress - this question remains unresolved. And even if they do, you still have to rely primarily on your inherent capabilities."
Unresolved Issues and Ongoing Conflict
Negotiations in Paris were also significant due to the presence of envoys from former President Trump's administration, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff.
Witkoff said the allies "mostly completed" their work on agreeing security protocols.
Last week, Zelensky said a settlement was "ninety percent complete".
Territorial concessions and security guarantees have been at the center of outstanding matters for negotiators.
Putin has repeatedly warned that Ukraine's military must withdraw from the entirety of the Donbas region 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 established line - but provided that Russia reciprocated the action.
Moscow now holds about 75% of the Donetsk region, and some 99% of the adjacent Luhansk region. The two regions constitute the Donbas industrial heartland.
Attacks have been escalating against Ukrainian cities - with a focus on power facilities. Russia has also made slow progress in capturing more Ukrainian territory.
Ukrainian forces have retaliated at Russian targets with drones, though with varying degrees of effectiveness.