Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky Asserts Absence of Clear Security Pledge from European Partners
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says European allies have failed to provide solid assurances that they will protect his country in the event of a fresh offensive by Russia.
"I am asking this very question to every one of our allies and thus far, the answer remains elusive a definitive and straightforward response yet," he told reporters on Wednesday.
His comments come a day after the UK and France inked a declaration of intent on deploying troops in Ukraine should a ceasefire agreement to end the war with Russia is finalized.
However, full security guarantees have yet to be solidified. The US, which has been leading efforts to end the invasion, was reported to have abstained from signing such a pledge at discussions held in the French capital on Tuesday.
Outcomes from the Paris Discussions
Following the negotiations in Paris, which involved some three dozen nations that comprise the group termed the '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 subsequently indicated thousands of troops may be sent.
Allies proposed that the US would take the lead in overseeing any ceasefire. But the key issue of territorial concessions that Ukraine is being asked to grant to Russia as a component of the settlement terms are still being discussed.
Moscow has not yet commented on the declaration made in the French capital.
President Putin initiated a comprehensive military assault of Ukraine in the early months of 2022, and Moscow now occupies about one-fifth of Ukrainian territory.
Zelensky's Shifting Tone
The UK Prime Minister characterized the joint statement as "an essential component of our commitment to stand with Ukraine for the long-term".
He added: "It establishes the pathway for the legal framework 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 "huge step forward".
Twenty-four hours afterward, however, he seemed more cautious.
"I perceive the determination, the political will, and that the partners are ready, and the allies are willing to give us robust economic measures, powerful defense assurances," he said when asked if nations in Europe would defend Ukraine.
"But as long as we lack such binding security pacts - formally ratified, supported by parliaments, backed by the U.S. Congress - this question cannot be answered. And should they materialize, you still have to rely first and foremost on your own strength."
Persistent Challenges and Fighting
The Paris talks were also significant due to the presence of envoys from former President Trump's administration, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
One envoy stated the participating countries "mostly completed" their work on agreeing security protocols.
Recently, the President indicated a peace deal was "ninety percent complete".
Territorial concessions and defense pledges have been at the forefront of unresolved issues for negotiators.
The Russian leader has consistently stated that Ukrainian troops must pull back from the entirety of the Donbas region or Russia will seize it, rejecting any compromise over how to conclude hostilities.
The Ukrainian President has thus far rejected ceding any territory, but has suggested that Ukraine could withdraw its troops to an established line - but only if Russia reciprocated the action.
Moscow now holds about 75% of the Donetsk region, and some 99% of the adjacent Luhansk region. The pair of oblasts form the Donbas industrial heartland.
Attacks have been escalating against Ukrainian cities - with a focus on power facilities. Russia has also made slow progress in seizing additional Ukrainian land.
Ukraine has hit back at Russian targets with drones, though with more limited success.
