Zelensky States He Lacks Definitive Security Pledge from Partner Nations
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 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 signed a declaration of intent on stationing forces in Ukraine if a peace deal to end the war with Russia is agreed.
However, full security guarantees have not been agreed. The United States, which has been leading efforts to end the invasion, reportedly did not sign such a commitment at talks in Paris on the previous day.
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 UK and France would "set up operational bases across Ukraine" to prevent any future incursion, while French President Emmanuel Macron later said a significant number of soldiers may be sent.
Allies proposed that the US would take the lead in overseeing any ceasefire. But the key issue of ceding land that Ukraine is being asked to grant to Russia as a component of the settlement terms are still being discussed.
The Russian government has thus far remained silent on the announcement made in the city of Paris.
President Putin initiated a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in the early months of 2022, and Russian forces currently controls about one-fifth of Ukraine's land.
Zelensky's Shifting Tone
Sir Keir described the bilateral declaration as "an essential component of our dedication to support Ukraine for the foreseeable future".
He continued: "It paves the way for the legal framework under which British, French and partner forces could function on Ukrainian soil, securing Ukraine's skies and seas, and regenerating Ukraine's military for the future."
The Ukrainian leader praised that agreement as a "significant leap of progress".
A day later, however, he appeared less optimistic.
"I see the will, the political resolve, and that the allies are prepared, and the partners are ready to give us strong sanctions, strong security guarantees," he said when questioned if European countries would come to Ukraine's aid.
"But as long as we lack such security guarantees - formally ratified, endorsed by legislatures, backed by the U.S. Congress - this question cannot be answered. And even if they do, you must ultimately depend first and foremost on your inherent capabilities."
Persistent Challenges and Fighting
Negotiations in Paris were also significant owing to the presence of US President Donald Trump's peace envoys, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff.
One envoy stated the allies "largely finished" their work on finalizing security arrangements.
Recently, the President indicated a settlement was "ninety percent complete".
Territorial concessions and security guarantees have been at the center of outstanding matters for diplomats.
The Russian leader has consistently stated that Ukrainian troops must withdraw from the entirety of the Donbas region or Moscow will take control, dismissing potential concessions over how to end the war.
The Ukrainian President has thus far rejected ceding any territory, but has proposed that Ukraine could withdraw its troops to an established line - but only if Russia reciprocated the action.
Moscow now holds about three-quarters of the Donetsk region, and some 99% of the neighbouring Luhansk. The two regions form the industrial Donbas region.
Attacks have been escalating against Ukrainian cities - with a focus on power facilities. Russia has also made slow progress in capturing more Ukrainian territory.
Ukraine has hit back at objectives inside Russia with drones, albeit with varying degrees of effectiveness.