Zelensky Declares Absence of Clear Security Pledge from Partner Nations
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says European allies have failed to provide sound guarantees that they will protect his country in the case of a future Russian attack.
"I continue to pose this critical question to all our partners and thus far, the answer remains elusive a definitive and straightforward response yet," he stated to the press on Wednesday.
His comments come a day after the UK and France inked a declaration of intent on stationing forces in Ukraine should a ceasefire agreement to conclude the conflict with Moscow is reached.
However, comprehensive defense assurances have not been agreed. The US, which has been leading efforts to end the invasion, was reported to have abstained from signing such a pledge at talks in Paris on Tuesday.
Outcomes from the Paris Discussions
Following the negotiations in Paris, which included some three dozen nations that comprise the so-called Coalition of the Willing, British PM Keir Starmer said the two nations would "establish military hubs across Ukraine" to deter future invasion, while France's President Macron later said a significant number of soldiers may be sent.
Allies proposed that the United States would take the lead in monitoring a truce. But the central sticking point of territorial concessions that Ukraine is being asked to grant 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 city of Paris.
Russian President Vladimir Putin initiated a comprehensive military assault of Ukraine in February 2022, and Russian forces now occupies about one-fifth of Ukrainian territory.
Zelensky's Shifting Tone
The UK Prime Minister characterized the joint statement as "a vital part of our dedication to support Ukraine for the foreseeable future".
He added: "It establishes the pathway for the juridical structure under which British, French and partner forces could function on Ukrainian soil, protecting Ukrainian airspace and waters, and regenerating Ukraine's armed forces 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 resolve, and that the partners are ready, and the allies are willing to give us robust economic measures, strong security guarantees," he said when asked if European countries would come to Ukraine's aid.
"However, until we don't have 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 must ultimately depend first and foremost on your own strength."
Unresolved Issues and Ongoing Conflict
Negotiations in Paris were also notable owing to the presence of envoys from former President Trump's administration, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff.
Witkoff said the participating countries "mostly completed" their work on finalizing security arrangements.
Recently, Zelensky said a settlement was "90% ready".
Territorial concessions and defense pledges have been at the forefront 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, rejecting any compromise over how to conclude hostilities.
Zelensky has so far ruled out ceding any territory, but has proposed that Ukraine could redeploy its forces to an established line - but provided that Russia did the same.
Russian forces now holds about 75% of the Donetsk oblast, and some 99% of the adjacent Luhansk region. The two regions constitute the industrial Donbas region.
Attacks have been escalating against Ukrainian cities - with a focus on energy infrastructure. Moscow is also achieving slow progress in capturing more Ukrainian territory.
Ukrainian forces have retaliated at objectives inside Russia with drones, though with varying degrees of effectiveness.