Zelensky States Absence of Explicit Security Pledge from Allies
President Zelensky has stated that Ukraine's partners in Europe have failed to provide concrete pledges that they will protect his country in the case of a fresh offensive by Russia.
"I continue to pose this critical question to every one of our allies and I have not received a clear, unambiguous answer yet," he told reporters on midweek.
These remarks follow a day after Britain and France inked a statement of purpose on deploying troops in Ukraine if a peace deal to end the war with Russia is reached.
However, full security guarantees have yet to be solidified. The US, which has been leading efforts to end the invasion, was reported to have abstained from signing such a commitment at discussions held in the French capital on Tuesday.
Outcomes from the Paris Discussions
Following the negotiations in Paris, which involved some three dozen nations that comprise 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 a significant number of soldiers may be deployed.
Partner nations suggested that the United States would take the lead in monitoring a truce. But the central sticking point of ceding land that Ukraine is being asked to grant to Russia as a component of the settlement terms are continuing to be negotiated.
Moscow has not yet commented on the declaration made in the French capital.
Russian President Vladimir Putin initiated a comprehensive military assault of Ukraine in February 2022, and Moscow now occupies about one-fifth of Ukraine's land.
Zelensky's Shifting Tone
Sir Keir described the joint statement as "a vital part of our commitment to stand with 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, securing Ukraine's skies and seas, and rebuilding Ukraine's military for the future."
Zelensky hailed 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 allies are prepared, and the partners are ready to give us strong sanctions, strong security guarantees," he said when questioned if nations in Europe would defend Ukraine.
"However, until we don't have such security guarantees - legally binding, supported by parliaments, backed by the U.S. Congress - this question remains unresolved. And should they materialize, you must ultimately depend primarily on your inherent capabilities."
Unresolved Issues and Ongoing Conflict
The Paris talks were also notable due to the presence of US President Donald Trump's peace envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
Witkoff said the participating countries "mostly completed" their work on agreeing security protocols.
Last week, the President indicated a settlement was "ninety percent complete".
Territorial concessions and security guarantees have been at the forefront of unresolved issues for diplomats.
Putin has repeatedly warned that Ukrainian troops must pull back from the entirety of the Donbas region 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 agreed point - but provided that Russia did the same.
Moscow now holds about 75% of the Donetsk oblast, and some nearly all of the neighbouring Luhansk. The two regions form the industrial Donbas region.
It has been intensifying attacks against cities in Ukraine - particularly targeting energy infrastructure. Russia has also made slow progress in seizing additional Ukrainian land.
Ukrainian forces have retaliated at objectives inside Russia with unmanned aerial vehicles, though with varying degrees of effectiveness.
