Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky Declares He Lacks Definitive Defense Guarantee from European Partners

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says European allies have failed to provide concrete pledges that they will defend Ukraine in the case of a new Russian aggression.

"I am asking this very question to every one of our allies and thus far, the answer remains elusive a clear, unambiguous answer yet," he told reporters on midweek.

These remarks follow a day after the UK and France signed a statement of purpose 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 United States, which has been spearheading initiatives to end the invasion, reportedly did not sign such a commitment at talks in Paris on the previous day.

Details of the Paris Talks

After the Paris talks, which included some 30 countries that form the group termed the 'Coalition of the Willing', British PM Keir Starmer said the two nations would "set up operational bases across Ukraine" to deter future invasion, while France's President Macron later said thousands of troops may be sent.

Allies proposed that the United States would assume a leading role in monitoring a truce. 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 announcement made in the city of Paris.

President Putin initiated a comprehensive military assault of Ukraine in February 2022, and Russian forces currently controls about 20% of Ukraine's land.

Zelensky's Shifting Tone

The UK Prime Minister characterized 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 juridical structure under which British, French and partner forces could operate on Ukraine's territory, protecting Ukrainian airspace and waters, and regenerating Ukraine's armed forces for the years to come."

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

A day later, however, he appeared less optimistic.

"I perceive the determination, the political will, and that the allies are prepared, and the allies are willing to give us strong sanctions, strong security guarantees," he said when questioned if European countries would come to Ukraine's aid.

"However, until we lack such security guarantees - formally ratified, supported by parliaments, backed by the U.S. Congress - this question remains unresolved. And even if they do, you must ultimately depend primarily on your inherent capabilities."

Unresolved Issues and Ongoing Conflict

The Paris talks were also significant owing to the presence of US President Donald Trump's peace envoys, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff.

Witkoff said the participating countries "mostly completed" their work on agreeing security protocols.

Last week, the President indicated a peace deal was "90% ready".

Questions of land and defense pledges have been at the forefront of unresolved issues for negotiators.

The Russian leader has consistently stated that Ukrainian troops must withdraw from the entirety of the Donbas region or Russia will seize it, dismissing potential concessions over how to conclude hostilities.

The Ukrainian President has thus far rejected relinquishing any land, but has suggested that Ukraine could withdraw its troops to an agreed point - but provided that Russia did the same.

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

It has been intensifying attacks against Ukrainian cities - particularly targeting energy infrastructure. Russia has also made slow progress in capturing more Ukrainian territory.

Ukraine has hit back at Russian targets with drones, albeit with more limited success.