Zelensky States Absence of Clear Defense Guarantee from Allies
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says European allies have failed to provide solid assurances that they will protect his country in the event of a fresh offensive by Russia.
"I am asking this very 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.
His comments come a day after Britain and France inked a declaration of intent on stationing forces 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 commitment at talks in Paris on Tuesday.
Outcomes from the Paris Discussions
Following the negotiations in Paris, which included some three dozen nations that form the group termed the 'Coalition of the Willing', British PM Keir Starmer said the UK and France would "set up operational bases across Ukraine" to deter future invasion, while France's President Macron later said thousands of troops may be deployed.
Allies proposed that the United States would assume a leading role in monitoring a truce. But the central sticking point of ceding land that Ukraine is being pressured to offer to Russia as a component of the settlement terms are still being discussed.
The Russian government has thus far remained silent on the announcement made in the French capital.
President Putin initiated a comprehensive military assault of Ukraine in February 2022, and Russian forces currently controls about 20% of Ukraine's land.
Zelensky's Shifting Tone
Sir Keir described the joint statement as "a vital part of our dedication to support Ukraine for the foreseeable future".
He continued: "It paves the way for the legal framework under which British, French and partner forces could operate on Ukrainian soil, securing Ukraine's skies and seas, and regenerating Ukraine's military for the future."
The Ukrainian leader praised that accord as a "huge step forward".
A day later, however, he seemed more cautious.
"I perceive the determination, the political resolve, 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 defend Ukraine.
"But as long as we don't have such binding security pacts - formally ratified, 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 own strength."
Persistent Challenges and Fighting
Negotiations in Paris were also significant owing 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 "ninety percent complete".
Questions of land and security guarantees have been at the center of unresolved issues for diplomats.
The Russian leader has consistently stated that Ukraine's military must withdraw from all of Ukraine's eastern Donbas or Moscow will take control, rejecting any compromise over how to end the war.
Zelensky has so far ruled out ceding any territory, but has suggested that Ukraine could withdraw its troops to an established line - but only if Russia reciprocated the action.
Moscow currently controls about three-quarters of the Donetsk oblast, and some nearly all of the neighbouring Luhansk. The pair of oblasts form the Donbas industrial heartland.
Attacks have been escalating against cities in Ukraine - with a focus on energy infrastructure. Russia has also made slow progress in capturing more Ukrainian territory.
Ukrainian forces have retaliated at objectives inside Russia with unmanned aerial vehicles, though with varying degrees of effectiveness.
