Zelensky States He Lacks Definitive Defense Guarantee from Allies

President Zelensky has stated that European allies 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 every one of our allies and I have not received a definitive and straightforward response yet," he told reporters on midweek.

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 end the war with Russia is reached.

However, full security guarantees have not been agreed. The United States, which has been leading efforts to halt the offensive, reportedly did not sign such a pledge at talks in Paris on Tuesday.

Outcomes from the Paris Discussions

After the Paris talks, which included some three dozen nations that form the group termed the 'Coalition of the Willing', UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the two nations would "establish military hubs across Ukraine" to prevent any future incursion, while France's President Macron subsequently indicated thousands of troops may be deployed.

Partner nations suggested that the United States would assume a leading role in monitoring a truce. But the central sticking point of ceding land that Ukraine is being asked to grant to Russia as part of the peace proposals are continuing to be negotiated.

Moscow has thus far remained silent on the declaration made in the French capital.

Russian President Vladimir Putin initiated a comprehensive military assault of Ukraine in February 2022, and Moscow now occupies about 20% of Ukrainian territory.

Zelensky's Shifting Tone

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

He continued: "It establishes the pathway for the legal framework under which allied military personnel could operate on Ukraine's territory, protecting Ukrainian airspace and waters, and rebuilding Ukraine's military for the years to come."

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

A day later, however, he seemed more cautious.

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

"However, until we lack such binding security pacts - formally ratified, endorsed by legislatures, backed by the U.S. Congress - this crucial issue cannot be answered. 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 owing to the attendance of US President Donald Trump's peace envoys, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff.

One envoy stated the allies "mostly completed" their work on finalizing security arrangements.

Last week, Zelensky said a peace deal was "90% ready".

Questions of land and defense pledges have been at the forefront of outstanding matters for negotiators.

The Russian leader has consistently stated that Ukraine's military must withdraw from the entirety of the Donbas region or Moscow will take control, rejecting any compromise over how to end the war.

Zelensky has so far ruled out relinquishing any land, but has suggested that Ukraine could withdraw its troops to an agreed point - but provided that Russia did the same.

Moscow now holds about 75% of the Donetsk oblast, and some nearly all of the neighbouring Luhansk. The two regions constitute the Donbas industrial heartland.

Attacks have been escalating against cities in Ukraine - with a focus on energy infrastructure. Moscow is also achieving slow progress in capturing more Ukrainian territory.

Ukraine has hit back at Russian targets with unmanned aerial vehicles, though with varying degrees of effectiveness.