Zelensky Asserts Absence of Clear Defense Guarantee from Allies

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine's partners in Europe have not given him concrete pledges that they will protect his country in the case of a new Russian aggression.

"I continue to pose this critical question to all our partners and thus far, the answer remains elusive a clear, unambiguous answer yet," he stated to the press on midweek.

These remarks follow a day after Britain and France inked a statement of purpose on deploying troops in Ukraine should a ceasefire agreement to end the war with Russia is agreed.

However, full security guarantees have yet to be solidified. The US, which has been leading efforts to halt the offensive, reportedly did not sign such a pledge at discussions held in the French capital on the previous day.

Outcomes from the Paris Discussions

After the Paris talks, which involved some 30 countries that comprise the so-called Coalition of the Willing, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the two nations would "set up operational bases across Ukraine" to prevent any future incursion, while French President Emmanuel Macron later said thousands of troops may be sent.

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 asked to grant to Russia as part of the peace proposals are continuing to be negotiated.

Moscow has not yet commented on the declaration made in the city of Paris.

Russian President Vladimir Putin initiated a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and Moscow currently controls about 20% of Ukraine's land.

The President's Evolving Stance

Sir Keir described the joint statement as "a vital part of our dedication to stand with Ukraine for the foreseeable future".

He added: "It paves the way for the legal framework under which allied military personnel could function on Ukrainian soil, securing Ukraine's skies and seas, and rebuilding Ukraine's military for the future."

The Ukrainian leader praised that agreement as a "huge step forward".

A day later, however, he appeared less optimistic.

"I see the will, the political resolve, and that the allies are prepared, and the allies are willing to give us robust economic measures, strong security guarantees," he said when asked if nations in Europe would defend Ukraine.

"But as long as we lack such security guarantees - legally binding, supported by parliaments, supported by the United States Congress - this question remains unresolved. And should they materialize, you must ultimately depend primarily on your own strength."

Unresolved Issues and Ongoing Conflict

The Paris talks were also significant due to the attendance 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.

Last week, Zelensky said a peace deal was "90% ready".

Questions of land and defense pledges have been at the center of outstanding matters for negotiators.

Putin has repeatedly warned that Ukraine's military 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 agreed point - but only if Russia did the same.

Russian forces currently controls about three-quarters of the Donetsk region, and some 99% of the neighbouring Luhansk. The pair of oblasts form the Donbas industrial heartland.

Attacks have been escalating against Ukrainian cities - particularly targeting power facilities. Moscow is also achieving slow progress in capturing more Ukrainian territory.

Ukrainian forces have retaliated at objectives inside Russia with drones, albeit with more limited success.