Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky Declares Absence of Explicit Defense Guarantee from Allies

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says European allies have not given him concrete pledges that they will defend Ukraine in the event of a future Russian attack.

"I continue to pose this critical question to every one of our allies and I have not received a clear, unambiguous answer yet," he stated to the press on Wednesday.

These remarks follow a day after the UK and France signed a statement of purpose on deploying troops in Ukraine if a peace deal to conclude the conflict with Moscow is finalized.

However, comprehensive defense assurances have not been agreed. The United States, which has been leading efforts to end the invasion, reportedly did not sign 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 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 France's President Macron later said a significant number of soldiers 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 part of the peace proposals are continuing to be negotiated.

The Russian government has not yet commented on the declaration made in the French capital.

Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a comprehensive military assault of Ukraine in the early months of 2022, and Russian forces currently controls about 20% of Ukraine's land.

Zelensky's Shifting Tone

Sir Keir described the bilateral declaration as "a vital part 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 function on Ukrainian soil, protecting Ukrainian airspace and waters, and rebuilding Ukraine's military for the future."

Zelensky hailed that accord as a "significant leap of progress".

Twenty-four hours afterward, however, he seemed more cautious.

"I perceive the determination, the political resolve, and that the partners are ready, and the partners are ready to give us strong sanctions, strong security guarantees," he said when asked if nations in Europe would come to Ukraine's aid.

"But as long as we lack such binding security pacts - formally ratified, supported by parliaments, backed by the U.S. Congress - this question remains unresolved. And even if they do, you still have to rely first and foremost on your own strength."

Unresolved Issues and Ongoing Conflict

Negotiations in Paris were also notable owing to the attendance of US President Donald Trump's peace envoys, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff.

One envoy stated the allies "largely finished" their work on finalizing security arrangements.

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

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

Putin has repeatedly warned that Ukrainian troops must pull back from the entirety of the Donbas region or Moscow will take control, 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 provided that Russia reciprocated the action.

Russian forces now holds about 75% of the Donetsk oblast, and some nearly all of the neighbouring Luhansk. The pair of oblasts constitute the industrial Donbas region.

It has been intensifying attacks against cities in Ukraine - with a focus on power facilities. Russia has also made incremental advances in capturing more Ukrainian territory.

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