Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky States He Lacks Clear Security Pledge from Partner Nations
President Zelensky has stated that Ukraine's partners in Europe have not given him concrete pledges that they will protect his country in the event of a future Russian attack.
"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 told reporters on Wednesday.
These remarks follow a day after Britain and France inked a statement of purpose on deploying troops in Ukraine should a ceasefire agreement to conclude the conflict with Moscow is reached.
However, full security guarantees have not been agreed. The United States, 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.
Details of the Paris Talks
After the Paris talks, which included some 30 countries that comprise the so-called 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 French President Emmanuel Macron subsequently indicated a significant number of soldiers may be deployed.
Partner nations suggested that the US would take the lead in overseeing any ceasefire. But the central sticking point of territorial concessions that Ukraine is being asked to grant to Russia as part of the peace proposals are continuing to be negotiated.
The Russian government has not yet commented on the announcement made in the French capital.
Russian President Vladimir Putin initiated a comprehensive military assault of Ukraine in the early months of 2022, and Russian forces currently controls about 20% of Ukraine's land.
Zelensky's Shifting Tone
The UK Prime Minister characterized the bilateral declaration as "a vital part of our dedication to stand with Ukraine for the foreseeable future".
He continued: "It establishes the pathway for the juridical structure under which allied military personnel could operate on Ukraine's territory, securing Ukraine's skies and seas, and rebuilding Ukraine's armed forces for the future."
The Ukrainian leader praised 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 partners are ready to give us robust economic measures, powerful defense assurances," he said when questioned if nations in Europe would come to Ukraine's aid.
"But as long as we lack such security guarantees - legally binding, endorsed by legislatures, backed by the U.S. Congress - this question cannot be answered. And should they materialize, you must ultimately depend first and foremost on your inherent capabilities."
Persistent Challenges and Fighting
Negotiations in Paris were also significant due to the attendance of envoys from former President Trump's administration, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff.
One envoy stated the allies "largely finished" their work on agreeing security protocols.
Recently, the President indicated a peace deal was "90% ready".
Territorial concessions and security guarantees have been at the forefront of outstanding matters for negotiators.
Putin has repeatedly warned that Ukraine's military must withdraw from the entirety of the Donbas region or Russia will seize it, dismissing potential concessions 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 established line - but provided that Russia did the same.
Moscow now holds about 75% of the Donetsk region, and some nearly all of the neighbouring Luhansk. The two regions constitute the Donbas industrial heartland.
It has been intensifying attacks against cities in Ukraine - with a focus on energy infrastructure. Russia has also made slow progress in capturing more Ukrainian territory.
Ukrainian forces have retaliated at Russian targets with drones, though with varying degrees of effectiveness.
