Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky States He Lacks Definitive Defense Guarantee from Allies

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine's partners in Europe have failed to provide sound guarantees that they will defend Ukraine in the case of a new Russian aggression.

"I continue to pose this critical question to every one of our allies and thus far, the answer remains elusive a clear, unambiguous answer yet," he told reporters on Wednesday.

These remarks follow a day after Britain and France signed a declaration of intent on deploying troops in Ukraine if a peace deal to end the war with Russia is agreed.

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

Outcomes from the Paris Discussions

Following the negotiations in Paris, which included some 30 countries that comprise the so-called Coalition of the Willing, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the two nations would "set up operational bases across Ukraine" to deter future invasion, while France's President Macron subsequently indicated thousands of troops may be sent.

Allies proposed that the United States would assume a leading role in monitoring a truce. But the key issue of territorial concessions that Ukraine is being asked to grant to Russia as a component of the settlement terms are still being discussed.

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

Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a comprehensive military assault of Ukraine in the early months of 2022, and Russian forces currently controls about 20% of Ukrainian territory.

The President's Evolving Stance

Sir Keir described the bilateral declaration as "an essential component of our dedication to stand with Ukraine for the foreseeable future".

He continued: "It paves the way for the legal framework under which British, French and partner forces could operate on Ukrainian soil, protecting Ukrainian airspace and waters, and regenerating Ukraine's armed forces for the future."

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

A day later, however, he seemed more cautious.

"I perceive the determination, the political will, and that the allies are prepared, and the partners are ready to give us strong sanctions, powerful defense assurances," he said when asked if nations in Europe would come to Ukraine's aid.

"But as long as we lack such security guarantees - formally ratified, supported by parliaments, supported by the United States Congress - this crucial issue cannot be answered. And should they materialize, you still have to rely first and foremost on your inherent capabilities."

Unresolved Issues and Ongoing Conflict

The Paris talks were also notable 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 finalizing security arrangements.

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

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

The Russian leader has consistently stated that Ukraine's military must pull back from the entirety of the Donbas region or Russia will seize it, rejecting any compromise over how to conclude hostilities.

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

Russian forces currently controls about three-quarters of the Donetsk oblast, and some nearly all of the neighbouring Luhansk. The two regions constitute the Donbas industrial heartland.

It has been intensifying attacks against Ukrainian cities - particularly targeting energy infrastructure. Moscow is also achieving incremental advances in seizing additional Ukrainian land.

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