Zelensky Asserts He Lacks Definitive Security Pledge from Partner Nations
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says European allies have failed to provide solid assurances that they will defend Ukraine in the event 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 declaration of intent on deploying troops in Ukraine should a ceasefire agreement to end the war with Russia is reached.
However, comprehensive defense assurances have yet to be solidified. The US, which has been leading efforts 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
Following the negotiations in Paris, which involved 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 deter future invasion, while France's President Macron subsequently indicated thousands of troops may be deployed.
Partner nations suggested that the United States would take the lead in overseeing any ceasefire. But the key issue of ceding land that Ukraine is being pressured to offer to Russia as part of the peace proposals are still being discussed.
Moscow has thus far remained silent on the announcement made in the French capital.
Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in the early months of 2022, and Moscow currently controls about one-fifth of Ukraine's land.
Zelensky's Shifting Tone
Sir Keir described the bilateral declaration as "a vital part of our commitment to support Ukraine for the long-term".
He added: "It establishes the pathway for the juridical structure under which British, French and partner forces could function on Ukrainian soil, securing Ukraine's skies and seas, and regenerating Ukraine's armed forces for the future."
The Ukrainian leader praised that agreement as a "huge step forward".
Twenty-four hours afterward, however, he seemed more cautious.
"I perceive the determination, the political resolve, and that the allies are prepared, and the partners are ready to give us strong sanctions, strong security guarantees," he said when asked if nations in Europe would defend Ukraine.
"But as long as we don't have such binding security pacts - legally binding, supported by parliaments, backed by the U.S. Congress - this question cannot be answered. 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 attendance of envoys from former President Trump's administration, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff.
One envoy stated the allies "mostly completed" their work on finalizing security arrangements.
Last week, the President indicated a settlement was "ninety percent complete".
Territorial concessions and defense pledges have been at the center of outstanding matters for diplomats.
The Russian leader has consistently stated that Ukrainian troops must withdraw from all of Ukraine's eastern Donbas or Russia will seize it, dismissing potential concessions over how to conclude hostilities.
Zelensky has so far ruled out relinquishing any land, but has proposed that Ukraine could redeploy its forces to an established line - but provided that Russia reciprocated the action.
Moscow currently controls about 75% of the Donetsk oblast, and some 99% of the adjacent Luhansk region. The two regions form the Donbas industrial heartland.
It has been intensifying attacks against cities in Ukraine - particularly targeting energy infrastructure. Moscow is also achieving slow progress in capturing more Ukrainian territory.
Ukrainian forces have retaliated at objectives inside Russia with drones, albeit with varying degrees of effectiveness.
