Zelensky Declares He Lacks Explicit Security Pledge from Partner Nations
President Zelensky has stated that Ukraine's partners in Europe have not given him solid assurances that they will protect his country in the case of a future Russian attack.
"I am asking this very question to every one of our allies and thus far, the answer remains elusive a clear, unambiguous answer yet," he told reporters on Wednesday.
His comments come a day after the UK and France inked a statement of purpose on stationing forces in Ukraine if a peace deal to conclude the conflict with Moscow is finalized.
However, comprehensive defense assurances have not been agreed. The US, which has been leading efforts to halt the offensive, reportedly did not sign such a commitment at talks in Paris on the previous day.
Outcomes from the Paris Discussions
Following the negotiations in Paris, which included some 30 countries that form the so-called Coalition of the Willing, British PM Keir Starmer said the two nations would "set up operational bases across Ukraine" to deter future invasion, while France's President Macron subsequently indicated a significant number of soldiers may be deployed.
Partner nations suggested that the US would take the lead in overseeing any ceasefire. But the key issue of territorial concessions that Ukraine is being asked to grant to Russia as a component of the settlement terms are still being discussed.
Moscow has not yet commented on the declaration made in the city of Paris.
President Putin initiated a comprehensive military assault of Ukraine in February 2022, and Moscow currently controls about one-fifth of Ukraine's land.
Zelensky's Shifting Tone
The UK Prime Minister characterized the bilateral declaration as "a vital part of our commitment to support Ukraine for the foreseeable future".
He continued: "It paves the way for the juridical structure under which British, French and partner forces could function on Ukrainian soil, protecting Ukrainian airspace and waters, and regenerating Ukraine's armed forces for the years to come."
The Ukrainian leader praised that accord as a "significant leap of progress".
Twenty-four hours afterward, 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 strong sanctions, strong security guarantees," he said when asked if European countries would defend Ukraine.
"However, until we lack such binding security pacts - legally binding, supported by parliaments, backed by the U.S. Congress - this question cannot be answered. And should they materialize, you still have to rely primarily on your own strength."
Unresolved Issues and Ongoing Conflict
The Paris talks were also notable due to the attendance of envoys from former President Trump's administration, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff.
One envoy stated the participating countries "mostly completed" their work on finalizing security arrangements.
Recently, the President indicated a settlement was "90% ready".
Territorial concessions and defense pledges have been at the forefront of outstanding matters for negotiators.
The Russian leader has consistently stated that Ukrainian troops must pull back from all of Ukraine's eastern Donbas or Russia will seize it, dismissing potential concessions 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 did the same.
Moscow now holds about 75% of the Donetsk region, and some nearly all of the adjacent Luhansk region. The pair of oblasts form the Donbas industrial heartland.
It has been intensifying attacks against cities in Ukraine - particularly targeting energy infrastructure. Russia has also made incremental advances in capturing more Ukrainian territory.
Ukraine has hit back at objectives inside Russia with unmanned aerial vehicles, albeit with more limited success.
