Zelensky Declares Absence of Clear Security Pledge from European Partners

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine's partners in Europe have failed to provide concrete pledges that they will protect his country in the case of a new Russian aggression.

"I continue to pose this critical question to all our partners and I have not received a clear, unambiguous answer yet," he told reporters on Wednesday.

His comments come a day after Britain and France inked a declaration of intent on stationing forces in Ukraine should a ceasefire agreement to conclude the conflict with Moscow is reached.

However, full security guarantees have yet to be solidified. The United States, which has been leading efforts to end the invasion, was reported to have abstained from signing such a commitment at talks in Paris on Tuesday.

Outcomes from the Paris Discussions

Following the negotiations in Paris, which involved some three dozen nations that comprise the so-called 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 France's President Macron subsequently indicated 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 territorial concessions that Ukraine is being pressured to offer to Russia as a component of the settlement terms are still being discussed.

Moscow has thus far remained silent on the announcement made in the city of Paris.

President Putin launched a comprehensive military assault of Ukraine in the early months of 2022, and Russian forces currently controls about one-fifth of Ukraine's land.

Zelensky's Shifting Tone

The UK Prime Minister characterized the joint statement as "an essential component of our dedication to support Ukraine for the long-term".

He added: "It establishes the pathway for the juridical structure under which British, French and partner forces could operate on Ukrainian soil, protecting Ukrainian airspace and waters, and regenerating Ukraine's military for the future."

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

Twenty-four hours afterward, however, he appeared less optimistic.

"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 asked if European countries would come to Ukraine's aid.

"But as long as we lack such binding security pacts - legally binding, supported by parliaments, supported by the United States Congress - this question cannot be answered. And should they materialize, you still have to rely primarily on your inherent capabilities."

Persistent Challenges and Fighting

The Paris talks were also notable owing to the presence of US President Donald Trump's peace envoys, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff.

Witkoff said the participating countries "largely finished" their work on finalizing security arrangements.

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

Territorial concessions and defense pledges have been at the center of outstanding matters for diplomats.

Putin has repeatedly warned that Ukraine's military must withdraw from all of Ukraine's eastern Donbas or Russia will seize it, dismissing potential concessions over how to end the war.

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

Russian forces now holds about 75% of the Donetsk region, and some 99% of the neighbouring Luhansk. The two regions form the Donbas industrial heartland.

Attacks have been escalating against cities in Ukraine - particularly targeting power facilities. Russia has also made incremental advances in seizing additional Ukrainian land.

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