Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky States He Lacks Explicit Security Pledge from European Partners
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine's partners in Europe have failed to provide concrete pledges that they will protect his country in the event of a new Russian aggression.
"I continue to pose this critical question to all our partners and I have not received a clear, unambiguous answer yet," he stated to the press on Wednesday.
These remarks follow a day after Britain and France inked a declaration of intent on deploying troops in Ukraine if a peace deal to end the war with Russia is finalized.
However, comprehensive defense assurances have not been agreed. The US, which has been spearheading initiatives 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
Following the negotiations in Paris, which included some three dozen nations that comprise the group termed the 'Coalition of the Willing', British PM Keir Starmer said the two nations would "set up operational bases across Ukraine" to deter future invasion, while France's President Macron later said thousands of troops may be sent.
Allies proposed that the US would take the lead in monitoring a truce. But the central sticking point of territorial concessions that Ukraine is being pressured to offer to Russia as part of the peace proposals are still being discussed.
The Russian government has not yet commented on the declaration made in the city of Paris.
President Putin launched a comprehensive military assault of Ukraine in the early months of 2022, and Russian forces now occupies about one-fifth of Ukraine's land.
Zelensky's Shifting Tone
Sir Keir described the bilateral declaration as "a vital part of our commitment to support Ukraine for the long-term".
He continued: "It paves the way for the juridical structure under which allied military personnel could operate on Ukraine's territory, protecting Ukrainian airspace and waters, and rebuilding Ukraine's military for the future."
The Ukrainian leader praised that accord as a "huge step forward".
Twenty-four hours afterward, however, he seemed more cautious.
"I perceive the determination, the political resolve, and that the allies are prepared, and the partners are ready to give us strong sanctions, powerful defense assurances," he said when questioned if European countries would defend Ukraine.
"But as long as we lack such binding security pacts - legally binding, supported by parliaments, backed by the U.S. Congress - this question cannot be answered. And should they materialize, you still have to rely first and foremost on your inherent capabilities."
Unresolved Issues and Ongoing Conflict
The Paris talks were also significant owing to the presence of envoys from former President Trump's administration, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
One envoy stated the participating countries "mostly completed" their work on finalizing security arrangements.
Last week, the President indicated a settlement was "ninety percent complete".
Territorial concessions and security guarantees have been at the center of outstanding matters for diplomats.
Putin has repeatedly warned that Ukrainian troops must withdraw from the entirety of the Donbas region or Moscow will take control, rejecting any compromise over how to conclude hostilities.
Zelensky has so far ruled out relinquishing any land, but has proposed that Ukraine could withdraw its troops to an established line - but provided that Russia did the same.
Russian forces currently controls about three-quarters of the Donetsk region, and some 99% of the adjacent Luhansk region. The two regions form the Donbas industrial heartland.
Attacks have been escalating against Ukrainian cities - particularly targeting energy infrastructure. Moscow is also achieving slow progress in capturing more Ukrainian territory.
Ukrainian forces have retaliated at objectives inside Russia with unmanned aerial vehicles, albeit with more limited success.