Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky Asserts Absence of Definitive Security Pledge from Allies

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine's partners in Europe have failed to provide solid assurances that they will protect his country in the case of a future Russian attack.

"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 midweek.

These remarks follow a day after Britain and France signed a declaration of intent on stationing forces in Ukraine should a ceasefire agreement to conclude the conflict with Moscow is agreed.

However, full security guarantees have not been agreed. The United States, which has been spearheading initiatives to halt the offensive, reportedly did not sign such a commitment at discussions held in the French capital on Tuesday.

Outcomes from the Paris Discussions

Following the negotiations in Paris, which included some 30 countries that form the group termed the 'Coalition of the Willing', UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the UK and France would "set up operational bases across Ukraine" to deter future invasion, while French President Emmanuel Macron later said a significant number of soldiers may be sent.

Partner nations suggested that the United States would take the lead in monitoring a truce. But the key issue of territorial concessions that Ukraine is being asked to grant to Russia as part of the peace proposals are still being discussed.

The Russian government has not yet commented on the announcement made in the city of Paris.

Russian President Vladimir Putin initiated a comprehensive military assault of Ukraine in the early months of 2022, and Russian forces currently controls about 20% of Ukrainian territory.

Zelensky's Shifting Tone

Sir Keir described the bilateral declaration as "an essential component of our commitment to stand with Ukraine for the long-term".

He continued: "It establishes the pathway for the juridical structure under which British, French and partner forces could operate on Ukrainian soil, protecting Ukrainian airspace and waters, and regenerating Ukraine's military for the years to come."

Zelensky hailed that agreement as a "huge step forward".

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

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

"But as long as we don't have such security guarantees - formally ratified, supported by parliaments, supported by the United States Congress - this question remains unresolved. And even if they do, you still have to rely primarily on your own strength."

Persistent Challenges and Fighting

Negotiations in Paris were also notable due to the attendance of envoys from former President Trump's administration, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

Witkoff said the allies "mostly completed" their work on finalizing security arrangements.

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

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

The Russian leader has consistently stated that Ukrainian troops must withdraw from all of Ukraine's eastern Donbas or Russia will seize it, rejecting any compromise over how to conclude hostilities.

The Ukrainian President has thus far rejected relinquishing any land, but has suggested 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 region, and some 99% of the neighbouring Luhansk. The pair of oblasts form the Donbas industrial heartland.

It has been intensifying attacks against cities in Ukraine - particularly targeting power facilities. Russia has also made incremental advances in capturing more Ukrainian territory.

Ukraine has hit back at Russian targets with unmanned aerial vehicles, albeit with more limited success.