Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky States He Lacks Clear Security Pledge from Partner Nations
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine's partners in Europe have failed to provide solid assurances that they will defend Ukraine in the event of a future Russian attack.
"I continue to pose this critical 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.
These remarks follow a day after Britain and France signed a declaration of intent on deploying troops in Ukraine if a peace deal to conclude the conflict with Moscow is agreed.
However, comprehensive defense assurances have not been agreed. The United States, which has been leading efforts to end the invasion, 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 involved some three dozen nations that form the group termed the 'Coalition of the Willing', UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the two nations would "set up operational bases across Ukraine" to deter future invasion, while France's President Macron later said thousands of troops may be deployed.
Partner nations suggested that the United States would take the lead in monitoring a truce. But the key issue of territorial concessions that Ukraine is being asked to grant to Russia as part of the peace proposals are still being discussed.
The Russian government has thus far remained silent on the announcement made in the French capital.
Russian President Vladimir Putin launched 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 bilateral declaration as "a vital part of our dedication to support Ukraine for the foreseeable future".
He continued: "It establishes the pathway for the legal framework under which British, French and partner forces could operate on Ukrainian soil, protecting Ukrainian airspace and waters, and rebuilding Ukraine's military for the years to come."
Zelensky hailed that accord as a "huge step forward".
A day later, however, he appeared less optimistic.
"I perceive the determination, the political will, and that the partners are ready, and the partners are ready 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 security guarantees - 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
Negotiations in Paris were also significant owing to the attendance of envoys from former President Trump's administration, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff.
Witkoff said the participating countries "largely finished" their work on agreeing security protocols.
Last week, the President indicated a peace deal was "90% ready".
Questions of land and defense pledges have been at the forefront of outstanding matters for negotiators.
The Russian leader has consistently stated that Ukraine's military must pull back from the entirety of the Donbas region or Russia will seize it, rejecting any compromise 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 did the same.
Moscow currently controls about 75% 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 Ukrainian cities - with a focus on energy infrastructure. Russia has also made incremental advances in capturing more Ukrainian territory.
Ukraine has hit back at Russian targets with unmanned aerial vehicles, albeit with varying degrees of effectiveness.