Zelensky Asserts Absence of Clear Security Pledge from European Partners
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says European allies have not given him solid assurances that they will protect his country in the case of a future Russian attack.
"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 told reporters on Wednesday.
These remarks follow a day after Britain and France signed a statement of purpose on stationing forces in Ukraine if a peace deal to conclude the conflict with Moscow is reached.
However, comprehensive defense assurances have yet to be solidified. The US, which has been leading efforts to halt the offensive, was reported to have abstained from signing such a pledge at talks in Paris on the previous day.
Outcomes from the Paris Discussions
After the Paris talks, which included some three dozen nations that form the group termed the 'Coalition of the Willing', British PM Keir Starmer said the UK and France would "set up operational bases across Ukraine" to deter future invasion, while French President Emmanuel Macron subsequently indicated thousands of troops may be sent.
Partner nations suggested that the United States would take the lead in monitoring a truce. But the key issue of ceding land that Ukraine is being pressured to offer to Russia as a component of the settlement terms are continuing to be negotiated.
The Russian government has not yet commented on the declaration made in the French capital.
President Putin initiated a comprehensive military assault of Ukraine in February 2022, and Russian forces currently controls about 20% of Ukraine's land.
The President's Evolving Stance
Sir Keir described the bilateral declaration as "a vital part of our commitment to support Ukraine for the foreseeable future".
He added: "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 regenerating Ukraine's military for the years to come."
Zelensky hailed that agreement as a "significant leap of progress".
A day later, however, he appeared less optimistic.
"I see the will, the political will, and that the allies are prepared, and the allies are willing to give us robust economic measures, strong security guarantees," he said when questioned if nations in Europe would come to Ukraine's aid.
"However, until we lack such security guarantees - legally binding, supported by parliaments, backed by the U.S. Congress - this crucial issue remains unresolved. And should they materialize, 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 presence of envoys from former President Trump's administration, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
One envoy stated the allies "mostly completed" their work on agreeing security protocols.
Recently, the President indicated a settlement was "90% ready".
Questions of land and defense pledges have been at the center of outstanding matters for diplomats.
The Russian leader has consistently stated that Ukraine's military must pull back from the entirety of the Donbas region or Russia will seize it, rejecting any compromise over how to end the war.
Zelensky has so far ruled out ceding any territory, but has suggested that Ukraine could redeploy its forces to an agreed point - but provided that Russia did the same.
Moscow now holds about three-quarters of the Donetsk region, and some nearly all of the neighbouring Luhansk. The pair of oblasts constitute the Donbas industrial heartland.
It has been intensifying attacks against cities in Ukraine - particularly targeting energy infrastructure. Moscow is also achieving slow progress in seizing additional Ukrainian land.
Ukrainian forces have retaliated at Russian targets with drones, albeit with varying degrees of effectiveness.
