Zelensky Declares He Lacks Definitive 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 new Russian aggression.

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

His comments come a day after Britain and France inked a declaration of intent on deploying troops in Ukraine if a peace deal to end the war with Russia is agreed.

However, comprehensive defense assurances have yet to be solidified. The United States, which has been spearheading initiatives to halt the offensive, reportedly did not sign such a commitment at discussions held in the French capital on Tuesday.

Details of the Paris Talks

After the Paris talks, which included some 30 countries that form the group termed the '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 France's President Macron later said thousands of troops may be sent.

Partner nations suggested that the US would assume a leading role in overseeing any ceasefire. But the key issue of territorial concessions that Ukraine is being asked to grant to Russia as a component of the settlement terms are continuing to be negotiated.

The Russian government has not yet commented on the declaration made in the city of Paris.

President 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 joint statement as "an essential component of our dedication to stand with Ukraine for the long-term".

He added: "It establishes the pathway for the juridical structure under which British, French and partner forces could function on Ukrainian soil, protecting Ukrainian airspace and waters, and rebuilding Ukraine's armed forces for the future."

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

A day later, however, he seemed more cautious.

"I see the will, the political resolve, and that the partners are ready, and the allies are willing to give us robust economic measures, strong security guarantees," he said when asked if nations in Europe would come to Ukraine's aid.

"However, until we don't have such security guarantees - legally binding, endorsed by legislatures, supported by the United States Congress - this question cannot be answered. And even if they do, you still have to rely first and foremost on your inherent capabilities."

Persistent Challenges and Fighting

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

One envoy stated the allies "largely finished" their work on finalizing security arrangements.

Last week, the President indicated a peace deal was "90% ready".

Questions of land and defense pledges have been at the center of unresolved issues for diplomats.

The Russian leader has consistently stated that Ukrainian troops must pull back from the entirety of the Donbas region or Moscow will take control, dismissing potential concessions over how to conclude hostilities.

The Ukrainian President has thus far rejected ceding any territory, but has suggested that Ukraine could withdraw its troops to an established line - but provided that Russia did the same.

Russian forces currently controls about three-quarters of the Donetsk region, and some 99% of the neighbouring Luhansk. The two regions constitute 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, though with more limited success.