Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky Asserts Absence of Definitive Defense Guarantee from European Partners

President Zelensky has stated that Ukraine's partners in Europe have not given him sound guarantees that they will protect his country in the case of a future Russian attack.

"I am asking this very question to all our partners and I have not received a clear, unambiguous answer yet," he stated to the press on midweek.

His comments come a day after Britain and France signed a statement of purpose on stationing forces in Ukraine if a peace deal to end the war with Russia is agreed.

However, full security guarantees have not been agreed. The US, which has been leading efforts to end the invasion, reportedly did not sign such a pledge at discussions held in the French capital on the previous day.

Outcomes from the Paris Discussions

Following the negotiations in Paris, which involved some 30 countries that comprise the so-called Coalition of the Willing, British PM Keir Starmer said the UK and France would "set up operational bases across Ukraine" to prevent any future incursion, 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 monitoring a truce. But the central sticking point of territorial concessions that Ukraine is being asked to grant to Russia as part of the peace proposals are still being discussed.

The Russian government has thus far remained silent on the announcement made in the French capital.

Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a comprehensive military assault of Ukraine in February 2022, and Moscow currently controls about one-fifth of Ukraine's land.

Zelensky's Shifting Tone

The UK Prime Minister characterized the bilateral declaration as "a vital part of our commitment to stand with Ukraine for the long-term".

He added: "It establishes the pathway for the legal framework under which British, French and partner forces could function on Ukraine's territory, securing Ukraine's skies and seas, and rebuilding Ukraine's military for the years to come."

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

A day later, however, he appeared less optimistic.

"I see the will, the political will, and that the allies are prepared, and the allies are willing to give us strong sanctions, strong security guarantees," he said when questioned if European countries would defend Ukraine.

"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 must ultimately depend primarily on your own strength."

Unresolved Issues and Ongoing Conflict

The Paris talks were also notable due 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.

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

Territorial concessions and security guarantees have been at the center of unresolved issues for negotiators.

The Russian leader has consistently stated that Ukrainian troops must withdraw from the entirety of the Donbas region or Moscow will take control, rejecting any compromise over how to end the war.

The Ukrainian President has thus far rejected ceding any territory, but has suggested that Ukraine could withdraw its troops to an agreed point - but provided that Russia reciprocated the action.

Russian forces now holds about three-quarters of the Donetsk oblast, and some nearly all of the adjacent Luhansk region. The pair of oblasts form the industrial Donbas region.

It has been intensifying attacks against cities in Ukraine - with a focus on power facilities. Moscow is also achieving slow progress in capturing more Ukrainian territory.

Ukraine has hit back at Russian targets with drones, albeit with varying degrees of effectiveness.