Zelensky Declares Absence of Explicit Security Pledge from Allies

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine's partners in Europe have not given him concrete pledges that they will defend Ukraine in the event of a fresh offensive by Russia.

"I continue to pose this critical question to all our partners and thus far, the answer remains elusive a clear, unambiguous answer 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 conclude the conflict with Moscow 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 talks in Paris on the previous day.

Details of the Paris Talks

Following the negotiations in Paris, which included some three dozen nations that comprise 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 France's President Macron later said thousands of troops may be sent.

Allies proposed that the United States would take the lead in monitoring a truce. 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 thus far remained silent on the announcement made in the city of Paris.

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

Zelensky's Shifting Tone

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

He added: "It paves the way for the juridical structure under which allied military personnel could function on Ukraine's territory, protecting Ukrainian airspace and waters, and regenerating Ukraine's military for the years to come."

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

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 robust economic measures, powerful defense assurances," he said when questioned if nations in Europe would defend Ukraine.

"But as long as we don't have such security guarantees - formally ratified, endorsed by legislatures, backed by the U.S. Congress - this question cannot be answered. And should they materialize, you must ultimately depend first and foremost on your own strength."

Persistent Challenges and Fighting

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

One envoy stated the allies "mostly completed" their work on finalizing security arrangements.

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

Questions of land and security guarantees have been at the center of outstanding matters for diplomats.

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 proposed that Ukraine could redeploy its forces to an agreed point - but provided that Russia did the same.

Russian forces now holds about 75% of the Donetsk oblast, 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 Russian targets with unmanned aerial vehicles, albeit with varying degrees of effectiveness.