Zelensky Asserts He Lacks Definitive Security Pledge from Allies

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine's partners in Europe have not given him sound guarantees that they will defend Ukraine in the case of a new Russian aggression.

"I am asking this very question to all our partners and thus far, the answer remains elusive a definitive and straightforward response yet," he stated to the press on Wednesday.

His comments come a day after the UK and France inked a statement of purpose on deploying troops in Ukraine if a peace deal to end the war with Russia is finalized.

However, comprehensive defense assurances have not been agreed. The US, which has been spearheading initiatives to end the invasion, 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 involved some three dozen nations that form 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 France's President Macron subsequently indicated thousands of troops may be deployed.

Allies proposed that the United States would assume a leading role in overseeing any ceasefire. But the central sticking point of territorial concessions that Ukraine is being asked to grant to Russia as part of the peace proposals are still being discussed.

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

Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a comprehensive military assault of Ukraine in the early months of 2022, and Moscow currently controls about one-fifth of Ukraine's land.

The President's Evolving Stance

The UK Prime Minister characterized the joint statement as "a vital part of our commitment to stand with Ukraine for the foreseeable future".

He added: "It establishes the pathway for the legal framework under which British, French and partner forces could function on Ukraine's territory, protecting Ukrainian airspace and waters, and rebuilding Ukraine's armed forces for the future."

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

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

"I perceive the determination, the political resolve, and that the partners are ready, and the allies are willing to give us robust economic measures, 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, endorsed by legislatures, backed by the U.S. Congress - this crucial issue remains unresolved. And even if they do, you must ultimately depend first and foremost on your own strength."

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 "largely finished" their work on finalizing security arrangements.

Recently, the President indicated a settlement was "90% ready".

Questions of land and security guarantees have been at the forefront of outstanding matters for negotiators.

The Russian leader has consistently stated that Ukraine's military must pull back from all of Ukraine's eastern Donbas or Moscow will take control, dismissing potential concessions over how to end the war.

Zelensky has so far ruled out ceding any territory, but has suggested that Ukraine could withdraw its troops to an established line - but provided that Russia reciprocated the action.

Moscow now holds about 75% of the Donetsk oblast, 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 energy infrastructure. Russia has also made slow progress in seizing additional Ukrainian land.

Ukrainian forces have retaliated at objectives inside Russia with unmanned aerial vehicles, though with varying degrees of effectiveness.