Zelensky Declares He Lacks Clear Defense Guarantee from European Partners

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine's partners in Europe have not given him solid assurances that they will protect his country in the case of a future Russian attack.

"I continue to pose this critical question to all our partners and I have not received a definitive and straightforward response yet," he stated to the press on Wednesday.

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 conclude the conflict with Moscow is finalized.

However, comprehensive defense assurances have yet to be solidified. The United States, which has been leading efforts to end the invasion, reportedly did not sign such a pledge at talks in Paris on Tuesday.

Details of the Paris Talks

Following the negotiations in Paris, which involved some 30 countries that form the group termed the 'Coalition of the Willing', UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the UK and France would "set up operational bases across Ukraine" to deter future invasion, while French President Emmanuel Macron later said a significant number of soldiers may be deployed.

Partner nations suggested that the US would assume a leading role in overseeing any ceasefire. But the key issue of territorial concessions that Ukraine is being asked to grant to Russia as part of the peace proposals 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 February 2022, and Russian forces now occupies about 20% of Ukrainian territory.

Zelensky's Shifting Tone

The UK Prime Minister characterized the bilateral declaration as "an essential component of our dedication to stand with Ukraine for the foreseeable future".

He continued: "It establishes the pathway for the juridical structure under which allied military personnel could function on Ukraine's territory, securing Ukraine's skies and seas, and regenerating Ukraine's military for the future."

Zelensky hailed that agreement as a "huge step forward".

A day later, however, he seemed more cautious.

"I see the will, the political will, and that the allies are prepared, and the partners are ready to give us robust economic measures, strong security guarantees," he said when questioned 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 cannot be answered. And should they materialize, you still have to rely primarily on your own strength."

Unresolved Issues and Ongoing Conflict

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

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

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

Questions of land and defense pledges have been at the center of outstanding matters for diplomats.

The Russian leader has consistently stated that Ukrainian troops must withdraw from the entirety of the Donbas region or Moscow will take control, 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 agreed point - but only if Russia reciprocated the action.

Moscow now holds about three-quarters of the Donetsk oblast, and some nearly all of the adjacent Luhansk region. The two regions form the industrial Donbas region.

It has been intensifying attacks against Ukrainian cities - particularly targeting energy infrastructure. Moscow is also achieving incremental advances in capturing more Ukrainian territory.

Ukrainian forces have retaliated at objectives inside Russia with drones, albeit with more limited success.