Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky Asserts He Lacks Clear Security Pledge from Allies
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine's partners in Europe have failed to provide sound guarantees that they will protect his country in the case of a fresh offensive by Russia.
"I am asking this very question to all our partners and thus far, the answer remains elusive a clear, unambiguous answer yet," he told reporters on midweek.
His comments come a day after Britain and France signed a statement of purpose on stationing forces in Ukraine should a ceasefire agreement to end the war with Russia is finalized.
However, full security guarantees have not been agreed. The US, which has been spearheading initiatives to end the invasion, reportedly did not sign such a commitment at talks in Paris 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', UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the two nations would "establish military hubs across Ukraine" to deter future invasion, while France's President Macron later said thousands of troops may be deployed.
Partner nations suggested that the United States would take the lead in overseeing any ceasefire. 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 city of Paris.
Russian President Vladimir Putin initiated a comprehensive military assault of Ukraine in the early months of 2022, and Russian forces currently controls about one-fifth of Ukraine's land.
The President's Evolving Stance
The UK Prime Minister characterized the joint statement as "an essential component of our commitment to support Ukraine for the long-term".
He continued: "It establishes the pathway for the legal framework under which British, French and partner forces could operate on Ukraine's territory, securing Ukraine's skies and seas, and rebuilding Ukraine's armed forces for the years to come."
The Ukrainian leader praised that agreement as a "huge step forward".
Twenty-four hours afterward, however, he appeared less optimistic.
"I see the will, the political resolve, and that the allies are prepared, and the allies are willing to give us robust economic measures, powerful defense assurances," he said when asked if European countries would defend Ukraine.
"But as long as we lack such security guarantees - formally ratified, supported by parliaments, backed by the U.S. Congress - this crucial issue cannot be answered. And should they materialize, you must ultimately depend first and foremost on your own strength."
Persistent Challenges and Fighting
Negotiations in Paris were also notable owing to the presence of US President Donald Trump's peace envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
One envoy stated the participating countries "largely finished" their work on finalizing security arrangements.
Last week, the President indicated a peace deal was "90% ready".
Territorial concessions and security guarantees have been at the center of outstanding matters for diplomats.
The Russian leader has consistently stated that Ukraine's military must withdraw from all of Ukraine's eastern Donbas or Russia will seize it, rejecting any compromise over how to end the war.
Zelensky has so far ruled out relinquishing any land, but has proposed that Ukraine could redeploy its forces 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 adjacent Luhansk region. The pair of oblasts form the industrial Donbas region.
Attacks have been escalating against cities in Ukraine - with a focus on power facilities. Russia has also made incremental advances in capturing more Ukrainian territory.
Ukrainian forces have retaliated at objectives inside Russia with drones, though with varying degrees of effectiveness.
