Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky Asserts He Lacks Definitive Security Pledge from Allies

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says European allies have failed to provide sound guarantees that they will defend Ukraine in the event of a future Russian attack.

"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 Britain and France inked a declaration of intent on deploying troops in Ukraine if a peace deal 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 pledge at talks in Paris on Tuesday.

Details of the Paris Talks

After the Paris talks, which included some 30 countries that comprise the so-called Coalition of the Willing, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the UK and France would "establish military hubs across Ukraine" to deter future invasion, while France's President Macron subsequently indicated thousands of troops may be sent.

Partner nations suggested that the US would assume a leading role in monitoring a truce. But the central sticking point of territorial concessions 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 launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and Moscow currently controls about 20% of Ukraine's land.

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 added: "It paves the way for the juridical structure under which British, French and partner forces could operate on Ukraine's territory, protecting Ukrainian airspace and waters, and regenerating Ukraine's armed forces for the years to come."

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

A day later, however, he appeared less optimistic.

"I see the will, the political resolve, and that the partners are ready, and the partners are ready to give us robust economic measures, strong security guarantees," he said when questioned if nations in Europe would come to Ukraine's aid.

"However, until we lack such security guarantees - legally binding, endorsed by legislatures, supported by the United States Congress - this question cannot be answered. And even if they do, you must ultimately depend primarily on your inherent capabilities."

Persistent Challenges and Fighting

Negotiations in Paris were also significant due to the presence of US President Donald Trump's peace envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

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

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

Questions of land and defense pledges have been at the forefront of unresolved issues for negotiators.

The Russian leader has consistently stated that Ukrainian troops must withdraw from all of Ukraine's eastern Donbas or Moscow will take control, 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 agreed point - but provided that Russia did the same.

Moscow now holds about 75% of the Donetsk region, and some 99% of the adjacent Luhansk region. The two regions constitute the industrial Donbas region.

Attacks have been escalating against cities in Ukraine - particularly targeting power facilities. Russia has also made incremental advances in capturing more Ukrainian territory.

Ukrainian forces have retaliated at Russian targets with drones, albeit with varying degrees of effectiveness.