Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky Asserts Absence of Clear Defense Guarantee from Allies

President Zelensky has stated that Ukraine's partners in Europe have not given him concrete pledges that they will protect his country in the case 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 told reporters on midweek.

These remarks follow a day after Britain and France inked a statement of purpose on stationing forces in Ukraine if a peace deal to conclude the conflict with Moscow is agreed.

However, comprehensive defense assurances 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 the previous day.

Outcomes from the Paris Discussions

Following the negotiations in Paris, which involved some three dozen nations that comprise 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 France's President Macron later said a significant number of soldiers may be deployed.

Allies proposed that the US 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 part of the peace proposals are continuing to be negotiated.

Moscow has not yet commented on the announcement made in the French capital.

President 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 joint statement as "a vital part of our commitment to stand with Ukraine for the long-term".

He added: "It paves the way for the juridical structure under which allied military personnel 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 "significant leap of progress".

A day later, however, he appeared less optimistic.

"I perceive the determination, the political will, 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 European countries would defend Ukraine.

"However, until we don't have such security guarantees - formally ratified, supported by parliaments, supported by the United States 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 significant due to the presence of US President Donald Trump's peace envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

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

Last week, the President indicated a settlement was "90% ready".

Questions of land and defense pledges have been at the center of unresolved issues for diplomats.

Putin has repeatedly warned that Ukrainian troops must pull back from all of Ukraine's eastern Donbas or Russia will seize it, rejecting any compromise over how to end the war.

The Ukrainian President has thus far rejected ceding any territory, but has suggested that Ukraine could withdraw its troops to an established line - but only if Russia reciprocated the action.

Russian forces now holds about 75% of the Donetsk oblast, and some nearly all of the adjacent Luhansk region. 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 incremental advances in seizing additional Ukrainian land.

Ukraine has hit back at objectives inside Russia with drones, though with more limited success.