Zelensky Asserts He Lacks Explicit Security Pledge from European Partners

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says European allies have failed to provide solid assurances that they will protect his country in the event of a future Russian attack.

"I am asking this very question to every one of our allies and thus far, the answer remains elusive a clear, unambiguous answer yet," he told reporters on midweek.

His comments come a day after the UK and France signed a statement of purpose on deploying troops in Ukraine should a ceasefire agreement to end the war with Russia is agreed.

However, full security guarantees have not been agreed. The US, which has been spearheading initiatives to end the invasion, reportedly did not sign such a pledge at discussions held in the French capital on the previous day.

Outcomes from the Paris Discussions

Following the negotiations in Paris, which involved some 30 countries that form the group termed the 'Coalition of the Willing', British PM Keir Starmer said the two nations would "establish military hubs across Ukraine" to prevent any future incursion, while French President Emmanuel Macron later said thousands of troops may be sent.

Partner nations suggested that the United States would assume a leading role in overseeing any ceasefire. But the central sticking point of ceding land that Ukraine is being asked to grant to Russia as a component of the settlement terms are still being discussed.

The Russian government has thus far remained silent on the announcement made in the city of Paris.

President Putin initiated a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in the early months of 2022, and Moscow now occupies about 20% of Ukraine's land.

The President's Evolving Stance

Sir Keir described the bilateral declaration as "a vital part of our commitment to stand with Ukraine for the foreseeable future".

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

The Ukrainian leader praised that accord as a "huge step forward".

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

"I see the will, the political will, 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 defend Ukraine.

"However, until we lack such binding security pacts - legally binding, supported by parliaments, backed by the U.S. Congress - this question remains unresolved. And even if they do, you still have to rely primarily on your inherent capabilities."

Unresolved Issues and Ongoing Conflict

Negotiations in Paris were also significant owing to the presence of envoys from former President Trump's administration, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff.

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

Recently, Zelensky said a settlement was "ninety percent complete".

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

The Russian leader has consistently stated that Ukrainian troops must withdraw from the entirety of the Donbas region or Russia will seize it, dismissing potential concessions over how to end the war.

The Ukrainian President has thus far rejected relinquishing any land, but has proposed that Ukraine could withdraw its troops to an agreed point - but provided that Russia did the same.

Moscow currently controls about three-quarters of the Donetsk region, and some nearly all of the neighbouring Luhansk. The two regions form the Donbas industrial heartland.

Attacks have been escalating against Ukrainian cities - with a focus on energy infrastructure. Russia has also made slow progress in capturing more Ukrainian territory.

Ukrainian forces have retaliated at Russian targets with drones, albeit with more limited success.