Zelensky Declares Absence of Definitive Defense Guarantee from European Partners

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says European allies have not given him sound guarantees that they will defend Ukraine in the case of a fresh offensive by Russia.

"I continue to pose this critical question to all our partners and thus far, the answer remains elusive a clear, unambiguous answer yet," he told reporters on midweek.

These remarks follow a day after Britain and France signed a statement of purpose on stationing forces in Ukraine should a ceasefire agreement to conclude the conflict with Moscow is finalized.

However, full security guarantees have yet to be solidified. The United States, which has been spearheading initiatives to halt the offensive, reportedly did not sign such a commitment at discussions held in the French capital on the previous day.

Outcomes from the Paris Discussions

After the Paris talks, which included 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 thousands of troops may be sent.

Partner nations suggested that the United States would take the lead in monitoring a truce. But the key issue 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 not yet commented on the declaration made in the French capital.

Russian President Vladimir Putin initiated a comprehensive military assault of Ukraine in February 2022, and Russian forces currently controls about one-fifth of Ukrainian territory.

Zelensky's Shifting Tone

Sir Keir described the joint statement as "an essential component of our dedication to support Ukraine for the foreseeable future".

He continued: "It establishes the pathway for the legal framework under which allied military personnel could function on Ukrainian soil, securing Ukraine's skies and seas, and regenerating Ukraine's military for the years to come."

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

A day later, however, he seemed more cautious.

"I see the will, the political resolve, and that the allies are prepared, and the allies are willing to give us robust economic measures, powerful defense assurances," he said when asked if European countries would defend Ukraine.

"But as long as we don't have such binding security pacts - formally ratified, supported by parliaments, supported by the United States Congress - this crucial issue cannot be answered. And should they materialize, you must ultimately depend first and foremost on your inherent capabilities."

Unresolved Issues and Ongoing Conflict

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

One envoy stated the allies "largely finished" their work on finalizing security arrangements.

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

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

Putin has repeatedly warned that Ukrainian troops must withdraw from all of Ukraine's eastern Donbas or Moscow will take control, rejecting any compromise over how to end the war.

Zelensky has so far ruled out ceding any territory, but has suggested that Ukraine could redeploy its forces to an established line - but provided that Russia reciprocated the action.

Russian forces currently controls about 75% of the Donetsk region, and some 99% of the neighbouring Luhansk. The pair of oblasts constitute the industrial Donbas region.

It has been intensifying attacks against Ukrainian cities - with a focus on power facilities. Russia has also made incremental advances in capturing more Ukrainian territory.

Ukrainian forces have retaliated at objectives inside Russia with drones, though with varying degrees of effectiveness.