Zelensky States Absence of Definitive Security Pledge from Allies
President Zelensky has stated that European allies have failed to provide solid assurances that they will protect his country in the case of a fresh offensive by Russia.
"I am asking this very question to all our partners and I have not received a definitive and straightforward response yet," he told reporters on midweek.
His comments come a day after Britain and France signed a declaration of intent on deploying troops in Ukraine should a ceasefire agreement to conclude the conflict with Moscow is reached.
However, full security guarantees have yet to be solidified. The US, which has been spearheading initiatives to halt the offensive, reportedly did not sign such a pledge at talks in Paris on Tuesday.
Outcomes from the Paris Discussions
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 deter future invasion, while French President Emmanuel Macron later said thousands of troops may be deployed.
Partner nations suggested that the United States would take the lead in overseeing any ceasefire. But the key issue of ceding land that Ukraine is being pressured to offer to Russia as part of the peace proposals are still being discussed.
The Russian government has thus far remained silent on the announcement made in the city of Paris.
Russian President Vladimir Putin initiated a comprehensive military assault 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 commitment to support Ukraine for the long-term".
He added: "It paves the way for the legal framework under which allied military personnel could function on Ukraine's territory, protecting Ukrainian airspace and waters, and regenerating Ukraine's military for the future."
Zelensky hailed that agreement as a "significant leap of progress".
Twenty-four hours afterward, however, he appeared less optimistic.
"I see the will, the political will, and that the allies are prepared, and the partners are ready to give us robust economic measures, powerful defense assurances," he said when asked if European countries would defend Ukraine.
"However, until we lack such binding security pacts - legally binding, endorsed by legislatures, supported by the United States Congress - this question remains unresolved. And should they materialize, you must ultimately depend primarily on your inherent capabilities."
Unresolved Issues and Ongoing Conflict
Negotiations in Paris were also significant owing to the presence of envoys from former President Trump's administration, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff.
Witkoff said the participating countries "largely finished" their work on agreeing security protocols.
Recently, the President indicated a settlement was "ninety percent complete".
Territorial concessions and defense pledges have been at the forefront of unresolved issues for negotiators.
Putin has repeatedly warned that Ukrainian troops must pull back from all of Ukraine's eastern Donbas or Russia will seize it, rejecting any compromise over how to conclude hostilities.
Zelensky has so far ruled out relinquishing any land, but has suggested that Ukraine could redeploy its forces to an agreed point - but only if 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 industrial Donbas region.
Attacks have been escalating against cities in Ukraine - particularly targeting power facilities. Moscow is also achieving incremental advances in capturing more Ukrainian territory.
Ukrainian forces have retaliated at Russian targets with unmanned aerial vehicles, albeit with varying degrees of effectiveness.
