Zelensky Asserts He Lacks Clear Defense Guarantee from Allies

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says European allies have not given him sound guarantees that they will defend Ukraine in the case of a future Russian attack.

"I am asking this very question to all our partners and thus far, the answer remains elusive a definitive and straightforward response yet," he told reporters on Wednesday.

His comments come a day after the UK and France signed a statement of purpose on stationing forces in Ukraine should a ceasefire agreement to conclude the conflict with Moscow is reached.

However, full security guarantees have yet to be solidified. 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 Tuesday.

Outcomes from the Paris Discussions

Following the negotiations in Paris, which involved some 30 countries that form the so-called 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 France's President Macron later said a significant number of soldiers may be sent.

Allies proposed that the US would assume a leading role in overseeing any ceasefire. 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 thus far remained silent on the declaration made in the city of Paris.

President Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in the early months of 2022, and Moscow currently controls about one-fifth of Ukraine's land.

The President's Evolving Stance

Sir Keir described the bilateral declaration as "a vital part of our dedication to stand with Ukraine for the foreseeable future".

He continued: "It establishes the pathway for the juridical structure under which British, French and partner forces could operate on Ukraine's territory, protecting Ukrainian airspace and waters, and regenerating Ukraine's military for the years to come."

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

Twenty-four hours afterward, however, he appeared less optimistic.

"I perceive the determination, 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, endorsed by legislatures, backed by the U.S. Congress - this crucial issue cannot be answered. And even if they do, you still have to rely first and foremost on your own strength."

Unresolved Issues and Ongoing Conflict

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

Witkoff said the allies "mostly completed" their work on finalizing security arrangements.

Last week, the President indicated a settlement was "ninety percent complete".

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

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 relinquishing any land, but has suggested that Ukraine could redeploy its forces to an established line - but provided that Russia reciprocated the action.

Moscow now holds about 75% of the Donetsk region, and some nearly all of the neighbouring Luhansk. The two regions form the Donbas industrial heartland.

Attacks have been escalating against cities in Ukraine - with a focus on energy infrastructure. Moscow is also achieving slow progress in seizing additional Ukrainian land.

Ukraine has hit back at objectives inside Russia with drones, albeit with varying degrees of effectiveness.