Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky States He Lacks Explicit Defense Guarantee from Allies
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine's partners in Europe have not given him sound guarantees that they will defend Ukraine in the event of a new Russian aggression.
"I am asking this very question to every one of our allies and thus far, the answer remains elusive a definitive and straightforward response yet," he stated to the press on Wednesday.
These remarks follow a day after Britain and France signed a declaration of intent on deploying troops in Ukraine should a ceasefire agreement to conclude the conflict with Moscow is agreed.
However, comprehensive defense assurances have not been agreed. The US, which has been spearheading initiatives to halt the offensive, reportedly did not sign such a pledge at talks in Paris on Tuesday.
Details of the Paris Talks
Following the negotiations in Paris, which included some three dozen nations that comprise the group termed the '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 later said thousands of troops may be deployed.
Allies proposed that the US would take the lead in overseeing any ceasefire. But the central sticking point of territorial concessions 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.
Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in the early months of 2022, and Moscow now occupies about one-fifth of Ukraine's land.
The President's Evolving Stance
The UK Prime Minister characterized the joint statement as "a vital part of our commitment to stand with Ukraine for the long-term".
He continued: "It paves the way for the legal framework under which allied military personnel could operate on Ukraine's territory, protecting Ukrainian airspace and waters, and regenerating Ukraine's armed forces for the future."
The Ukrainian leader praised that agreement 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 robust economic measures, strong security guarantees," he said when questioned if European countries would come to Ukraine's aid.
"However, until we lack such binding security pacts - legally binding, endorsed by legislatures, backed by the U.S. Congress - this crucial issue cannot be answered. And even if they do, you still have to rely first and foremost on your inherent capabilities."
Persistent Challenges and Fighting
Negotiations in Paris were also significant owing to the attendance of envoys from former President Trump's administration, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff.
Witkoff said the participating countries "mostly completed" their work on finalizing security arrangements.
Last week, the President indicated a settlement was "ninety percent complete".
Questions of land and security guarantees have been at the forefront of unresolved issues for negotiators.
Putin has repeatedly warned that Ukrainian troops must pull back from the entirety of the Donbas region or Russia will seize it, rejecting any compromise over how to end the war.
The Ukrainian President has thus far rejected ceding any territory, but has suggested that Ukraine could redeploy its forces to an agreed point - but provided that Russia reciprocated the action.
Russian forces now holds about three-quarters of the Donetsk oblast, and some nearly all of the neighbouring Luhansk. The two regions form the Donbas industrial heartland.
It has been intensifying attacks against Ukrainian cities - with a focus on energy infrastructure. Moscow is also achieving incremental advances in capturing more Ukrainian territory.
Ukraine has hit back at objectives inside Russia with drones, though with more limited success.
