Zelensky States Absence of Definitive Defense Guarantee from Allies
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine's partners in Europe have failed to provide solid assurances that they will defend Ukraine in the event 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 told reporters on midweek.
These remarks follow 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 agreed.
However, comprehensive defense assurances have yet to be solidified. The US, which has been leading efforts to halt the offensive, was reported to have abstained from signing 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 prevent any future incursion, while French President Emmanuel Macron subsequently indicated a significant number of soldiers may be deployed.
Partner nations suggested that the US would assume a leading role in monitoring a truce. But the key issue of ceding land that Ukraine is being pressured to offer to Russia as part of the peace proposals are still being discussed.
Moscow has thus far remained silent on the announcement made in the French capital.
President 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.
Zelensky's Shifting Tone
The UK Prime Minister characterized the joint statement as "a vital part of our commitment to support Ukraine for the long-term".
He added: "It paves the way for the legal framework under which British, French and partner forces could operate on Ukraine's territory, protecting Ukrainian airspace and waters, and rebuilding Ukraine's armed forces for the years to come."
Zelensky hailed that accord as a "huge step forward".
Twenty-four hours afterward, however, he seemed more cautious.
"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 defend Ukraine.
"But as long as we lack such binding security pacts - formally ratified, supported by parliaments, supported by the United States Congress - this question remains unresolved. And should they materialize, you must ultimately depend first and foremost on your inherent capabilities."
Persistent Challenges and Fighting
The Paris talks were also significant due to the attendance of US President Donald Trump's peace envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
One envoy stated the allies "largely finished" their work on finalizing security arrangements.
Recently, the President indicated a settlement was "90% ready".
Territorial concessions and security guarantees have been at the forefront of outstanding matters for diplomats.
The Russian leader has consistently stated that Ukraine's military must withdraw from all of Ukraine's eastern Donbas or Russia will seize it, dismissing potential concessions over how to conclude hostilities.
Zelensky has so far ruled out relinquishing any land, but has proposed that Ukraine could redeploy its forces to an established line - but only if Russia did the same.
Russian forces currently controls about three-quarters of the Donetsk region, and some nearly all of the neighbouring Luhansk. The pair of oblasts constitute the industrial Donbas region.
Attacks have been escalating against cities in Ukraine - with a focus on power facilities. Moscow is also achieving incremental advances in seizing additional Ukrainian land.
Ukraine has hit back at objectives inside Russia with drones, albeit with more limited success.
