Zelensky Asserts He Lacks 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 event of a fresh offensive by Russia.

"I continue to pose this critical question to every one of our allies and thus far, the answer remains elusive a definitive and straightforward response yet," he told reporters on midweek.

His comments come a day after the UK and France signed a declaration of intent on stationing forces in Ukraine if a peace deal to conclude the conflict with Moscow is agreed.

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 pledge 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 UK and France would "establish military hubs across Ukraine" to deter future invasion, while French President Emmanuel Macron subsequently indicated a significant number of soldiers may be deployed.

Allies proposed that the US would assume a leading role in monitoring a truce. But the key issue of territorial concessions that Ukraine is being pressured to offer to Russia as part of the peace proposals are continuing to be negotiated.

Moscow has thus far remained silent on the declaration made in the city of Paris.

President Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and Russian forces now occupies about one-fifth of Ukrainian territory.

Zelensky's Shifting Tone

Sir Keir described the joint statement as "a vital part of our dedication to support Ukraine for the long-term".

He continued: "It paves the way for the juridical structure under which British, French and partner forces could function on Ukraine's territory, securing Ukraine's skies and seas, and rebuilding Ukraine's military for the future."

The Ukrainian leader praised that agreement as a "significant leap of progress".

Twenty-four hours afterward, however, he appeared less optimistic.

"I perceive the determination, the political resolve, and that the allies are prepared, and the allies are willing to give us robust economic measures, powerful defense assurances," he said when questioned if European countries would defend Ukraine.

"But as long as 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 even if they do, you must ultimately depend primarily on your inherent capabilities."

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 agreeing security protocols.

Recently, Zelensky said a settlement was "ninety percent complete".

Questions of land and security guarantees have been at the center of unresolved issues for diplomats.

The Russian leader has consistently stated that Ukraine's military must withdraw from all of Ukraine's eastern Donbas or Russia will seize it, rejecting any compromise over how to end the war.

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 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 - particularly targeting energy infrastructure. Russia has also made incremental advances in seizing additional Ukrainian land.

Ukraine has hit back at objectives inside Russia with unmanned aerial vehicles, albeit with more limited success.