Zelensky States Absence of Clear Security Pledge from European Partners

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

"I am asking this very question to all our partners and I have not received a definitive and straightforward response yet," he told reporters on midweek.

These remarks follow a day after the UK and France signed a statement of purpose on stationing forces in Ukraine should a ceasefire agreement 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, was reported to have abstained from signing such a commitment at talks in Paris on Tuesday.

Outcomes from the Paris Discussions

After the Paris talks, 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 French President Emmanuel Macron subsequently indicated a significant number of soldiers may be sent.

Allies proposed that the US would take the lead in overseeing any ceasefire. But the key issue of territorial concessions that Ukraine is being pressured to offer to Russia as part of the peace proposals are still being discussed.

Moscow has not yet commented on the announcement made in the French capital.

Russian President Vladimir Putin launched 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 bilateral declaration as "a vital part of our dedication to support Ukraine for the long-term".

He continued: "It paves the way for the juridical structure under which British, French and partner forces could function on Ukrainian soil, securing Ukraine's skies and seas, and rebuilding Ukraine's armed forces for the years to come."

The Ukrainian leader praised that accord as a "significant leap of progress".

Twenty-four hours afterward, however, he seemed more cautious.

"I see the will, the political will, and that the partners are ready, and the partners are ready to give us strong sanctions, powerful defense assurances," he said when questioned if European countries would come to Ukraine's aid.

"But as long as we lack such security guarantees - formally ratified, supported by parliaments, backed by the U.S. Congress - this crucial issue remains unresolved. And even if they do, you still have to rely first and foremost on your own strength."

Unresolved Issues and Ongoing Conflict

Negotiations in Paris were also notable due to the attendance 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, the President indicated a settlement was "90% ready".

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

Putin has repeatedly warned that Ukraine's military must withdraw from the entirety of the Donbas region or Russia will seize it, rejecting any compromise over how to end the war.

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

Moscow currently controls about three-quarters of the Donetsk region, and some nearly all of the neighbouring Luhansk. The two regions form the industrial Donbas region.

Attacks have been escalating against Ukrainian cities - particularly targeting energy infrastructure. Russia has also made incremental advances in capturing more Ukrainian territory.

Ukraine has hit back at objectives inside Russia with unmanned aerial vehicles, albeit with more limited success.