Zelensky Asserts He Lacks Clear Security Pledge from Partner Nations

President Zelensky has stated that Ukraine's partners in Europe have failed to provide concrete pledges that they will protect his country in the case of a future Russian attack.

"I am asking this very question to every one of our allies and I have not received a definitive and straightforward response yet," he stated to the press on Wednesday.

His comments come a day after the UK and France signed a declaration of intent on deploying troops in Ukraine if a peace deal to end the war with Russia is reached.

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 commitment at discussions held in the French capital on Tuesday.

Outcomes from the Paris Discussions

Following the negotiations in Paris, which included some three dozen nations that form the group termed the 'Coalition of the Willing', British PM Keir Starmer said the UK and France would "set up operational bases across Ukraine" to deter future invasion, while French President Emmanuel Macron subsequently indicated thousands of troops may be deployed.

Partner nations suggested that the United States would assume a leading role in monitoring a truce. But the central sticking point of ceding land that Ukraine is being pressured to offer to Russia as a component of the settlement terms are continuing to be negotiated.

Moscow has not yet commented on the announcement made in the city of Paris.

Russian President Vladimir Putin initiated a comprehensive military assault of Ukraine in February 2022, and Russian forces currently controls about 20% of Ukraine's land.

Zelensky's Shifting Tone

Sir Keir described the joint statement as "an essential component of our commitment to stand with Ukraine for the foreseeable future".

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

Zelensky hailed that accord as a "significant leap of progress".

A day later, however, he seemed more cautious.

"I see the will, the political resolve, and that the partners are ready, and the allies are willing to give us robust economic measures, strong security guarantees," he said when questioned if nations in Europe would come to Ukraine's aid.

"However, until we lack such security guarantees - legally binding, supported by parliaments, supported by the United States Congress - this crucial issue cannot be answered. And even if they do, you still have to rely primarily on your inherent capabilities."

Unresolved Issues and Ongoing Conflict

The Paris talks were also significant owing to the attendance of envoys from former President Trump's administration, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

One envoy stated the allies "mostly completed" their work on agreeing security protocols.

Last week, Zelensky said a settlement was "ninety percent complete".

Questions of land and security guarantees have been at the center of unresolved issues for negotiators.

The Russian leader has consistently stated that Ukraine's military must withdraw from the entirety of the Donbas region or Moscow will take control, dismissing potential concessions over how to end the war.

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

Russian forces currently controls about 75% of the Donetsk oblast, and some nearly all of the neighbouring Luhansk. The pair of oblasts form the industrial Donbas region.

Attacks have been escalating against cities in Ukraine - particularly targeting power facilities. Moscow is also achieving slow progress in capturing more Ukrainian territory.

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