Zelensky States 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 told reporters on midweek.

His comments come a day after the UK and France signed a statement of purpose on deploying troops in Ukraine if a peace deal to conclude the conflict with Moscow is finalized.

However, full security guarantees have yet to be solidified. The US, which has been leading efforts to halt the offensive, reportedly did not sign such a pledge at discussions held in the French capital on Tuesday.

Details of the Paris Talks

Following the negotiations in Paris, which included some three dozen nations 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 prevent any future incursion, while France's President Macron subsequently indicated a significant number of soldiers may be sent.

Partner nations suggested that the US would assume a leading role in overseeing any ceasefire. But the key issue of ceding land that Ukraine is being pressured to offer to Russia as part of the peace proposals are continuing to be negotiated.

Moscow has thus far remained silent on the announcement made in the city of Paris.

President Putin initiated a comprehensive military assault of Ukraine in the early months of 2022, and Moscow currently controls about one-fifth of Ukrainian territory.

The President's Evolving Stance

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

He added: "It establishes the pathway for the legal framework under which allied military personnel could operate on Ukraine's territory, securing Ukraine's skies and seas, and rebuilding Ukraine's military for the years to come."

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

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

"I perceive the determination, the political resolve, and that the partners are ready, and the partners are ready to give us robust economic measures, strong security guarantees," he said when asked if nations in Europe would defend Ukraine.

"But as long as we don't have such binding security pacts - formally ratified, endorsed by legislatures, supported by the United States Congress - this question cannot be answered. And should they materialize, you must ultimately depend primarily on your inherent capabilities."

Persistent Challenges and Fighting

Negotiations in Paris were also significant owing to the presence of US President Donald Trump's peace envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

Witkoff said the participating countries "largely finished" their work on agreeing security protocols.

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

Territorial concessions and defense pledges have been at the center of unresolved issues for diplomats.

Putin has repeatedly warned that Ukrainian troops must withdraw from the entirety of the Donbas region or Moscow will take control, dismissing potential concessions over how to conclude hostilities.

Zelensky has so far ruled out relinquishing any land, but has suggested that Ukraine could withdraw its troops to an established line - but provided that Russia did the same.

Moscow now holds about 75% of the Donetsk oblast, and some 99% of the adjacent Luhansk region. The pair of oblasts constitute the industrial Donbas region.

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

Ukrainian forces have retaliated at Russian targets with drones, though with varying degrees of effectiveness.