Zelensky Asserts Absence of Explicit Defense Guarantee from Partner Nations
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine's partners in Europe have failed to provide solid assurances that they will defend Ukraine in the event of a fresh offensive by Russia.
"I continue to pose this critical 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 midweek.
His comments come a day after Britain and France inked a statement of purpose on deploying troops in Ukraine if a peace deal to conclude the conflict with Moscow is finalized.
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 the previous day.
Details of the Paris Talks
After the Paris talks, which included some 30 countries that form the so-called Coalition of the Willing, British PM Keir Starmer said the two nations would "establish military hubs across Ukraine" to deter future invasion, while France's President Macron subsequently indicated thousands of troops may be sent.
Allies proposed that the US would assume a leading role 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 not yet commented on the declaration made in the city of Paris.
President Putin initiated a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and Moscow now occupies about one-fifth of Ukrainian territory.
The President's Evolving Stance
Sir Keir described the bilateral declaration as "a vital part of our dedication to support Ukraine for the long-term".
He added: "It paves the way for the legal framework under which British, French and partner forces could operate on Ukraine's territory, protecting Ukrainian airspace and waters, and regenerating Ukraine's armed forces for the future."
Zelensky hailed that accord as a "huge step forward".
A day later, however, he seemed more cautious.
"I see the will, the political resolve, and that the partners are ready, and the allies are willing to give us robust economic measures, strong security guarantees," he said when asked if European countries would come to Ukraine's aid.
"However, until we lack such security guarantees - legally binding, supported by parliaments, supported by the United States Congress - this crucial issue cannot be answered. And should they materialize, you must ultimately depend first and foremost on your own strength."
Unresolved Issues and Ongoing Conflict
Negotiations in Paris were also notable owing to the presence of envoys from former President Trump's administration, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
One envoy stated the allies "mostly completed" their work on finalizing security arrangements.
Recently, Zelensky said a settlement was "ninety percent complete".
Questions of land and defense pledges have been at the forefront of unresolved issues for negotiators.
Putin has repeatedly warned that Ukrainian troops must withdraw from the entirety of the Donbas region or Russia will seize it, dismissing potential concessions over how to end the war.
The Ukrainian President has thus far rejected relinquishing any land, but has proposed that Ukraine could withdraw its troops to an established line - but provided that Russia did the same.
Moscow now holds about three-quarters of the Donetsk region, and some nearly all of the adjacent Luhansk region. The two regions constitute the Donbas industrial heartland.
Attacks have been escalating against Ukrainian cities - with a focus on power facilities. Russia has also made slow progress in capturing more Ukrainian territory.
Ukraine has hit back at objectives inside Russia with drones, though with varying degrees of effectiveness.
