Zelensky States He Lacks Explicit Defense Guarantee from Allies
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine's partners in Europe have not given him solid assurances that they will defend Ukraine in the case of a future Russian attack.
"I continue to pose this critical question to every one of our allies and thus far, the answer remains elusive a clear, unambiguous answer yet," he told reporters on midweek.
His comments come a day after the UK and France inked a statement of purpose on deploying troops in Ukraine if a peace deal to conclude the conflict with Moscow is reached.
However, full security guarantees have not been agreed. The US, which has been spearheading initiatives to end the invasion, was reported to have abstained from signing such a pledge at talks in Paris on the previous day.
Outcomes from the Paris Discussions
After the Paris talks, which involved some 30 countries that form the group termed the 'Coalition of the Willing', UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the two nations would "establish military hubs across Ukraine" to deter future invasion, while French President Emmanuel Macron later said thousands of troops may be deployed.
Partner nations suggested 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 declaration made in the French capital.
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
The UK Prime Minister characterized the bilateral declaration as "an essential component of our commitment to support Ukraine for the foreseeable future".
He continued: "It establishes the pathway for the juridical structure under which allied military personnel could function on Ukrainian soil, securing Ukraine's skies and seas, and rebuilding Ukraine's armed forces for the future."
The Ukrainian leader praised that agreement 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 allies are willing to give us strong sanctions, powerful defense assurances," he said when asked if European countries would defend Ukraine.
"However, until we don't have such binding security pacts - legally binding, supported by parliaments, supported by the United States Congress - this crucial issue cannot be answered. And even if they do, you must ultimately depend primarily on your inherent capabilities."
Unresolved Issues and Ongoing Conflict
The Paris talks were also notable owing to the presence of envoys from former President Trump's administration, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff.
One envoy stated the allies "largely finished" their work on agreeing security protocols.
Last week, Zelensky said a settlement 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, dismissing potential concessions over how to conclude hostilities.
Zelensky has so far ruled out relinquishing any land, but has proposed that Ukraine could withdraw its troops to an established line - but provided that Russia reciprocated the action.
Moscow now holds about 75% of the Donetsk oblast, and some 99% 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 power facilities. Moscow is also achieving slow progress in capturing more Ukrainian territory.
Ukrainian forces have retaliated at objectives inside Russia with unmanned aerial vehicles, though with more limited success.
