Zelensky Asserts Absence of Clear Defense Guarantee from European Partners
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says European allies have failed to provide concrete pledges that they will defend Ukraine in the event of a new Russian aggression.
"I continue to pose this critical question to every one of our allies and thus far, the answer remains elusive a clear, unambiguous answer 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 end the war with Russia is finalized.
However, full security guarantees have yet to be solidified. The United States, which has been leading efforts to end the invasion, was reported to have abstained from signing such a pledge at discussions held in the French capital on Tuesday.
Details of the Paris Talks
Following the negotiations in Paris, which involved some three dozen nations that form the group termed the 'Coalition of the Willing', UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the two nations 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 sent.
Allies proposed that the United States would assume a leading role in monitoring a truce. But the key issue of territorial concessions 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 announcement made in the city of Paris.
Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in the early months of 2022, and Russian forces now occupies about 20% of Ukraine's land.
Zelensky's Shifting Tone
Sir Keir described the bilateral declaration as "an essential component of our dedication to stand with Ukraine for the long-term".
He continued: "It establishes the pathway for the legal framework under which allied military personnel could function on Ukraine's territory, securing Ukraine's skies and seas, and rebuilding Ukraine's military for the years to come."
Zelensky hailed that agreement as a "huge step forward".
Twenty-four hours afterward, however, he seemed more cautious.
"I see the will, the political resolve, and that the allies are prepared, and the allies are willing to give us strong sanctions, strong security guarantees," he said when questioned if nations in Europe would come to Ukraine's aid.
"However, until we don't have such security guarantees - legally binding, endorsed by legislatures, 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 attendance of envoys from former President Trump's administration, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff.
Witkoff said the allies "largely finished" their work on finalizing security arrangements.
Last week, the President indicated a peace deal was "90% ready".
Questions of land and security guarantees have been at the center of outstanding matters for diplomats.
Putin has repeatedly warned that Ukrainian troops must pull back from the entirety of the Donbas region or Russia will seize it, dismissing potential concessions over how to conclude hostilities.
Zelensky has so far ruled out ceding any territory, but has proposed that Ukraine could withdraw its troops to an established line - but only if Russia reciprocated the action.
Russian forces currently controls about 75% of the Donetsk oblast, and some nearly all of the adjacent Luhansk region. The pair of oblasts form the industrial Donbas region.
It has been intensifying attacks against cities in Ukraine - particularly targeting power facilities. Moscow is also achieving incremental advances in capturing more Ukrainian territory.
Ukraine has hit back at Russian targets with unmanned aerial vehicles, though with more limited success.
