Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky Declares He Lacks Explicit Defense Guarantee from Partner Nations

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine's partners in Europe have failed to provide solid assurances that they will protect his country in the event of a fresh offensive by Russia.

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

His comments come a day after Britain 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, comprehensive defense assurances have not been agreed. The US, which has been leading efforts to end the invasion, was reported to have abstained from signing such a commitment at discussions held in the French capital on the previous day.

Details of the Paris Talks

Following the negotiations in Paris, which included some 30 countries that comprise the group termed the 'Coalition of the Willing', UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the UK and France would "set up operational bases across Ukraine" to deter future invasion, while French President Emmanuel Macron later said a significant number of soldiers may be sent.

Partner nations suggested that the United States would take the lead in monitoring a truce. But the key issue of territorial concessions that Ukraine is being asked to grant to Russia as a component of the settlement terms are still being discussed.

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

President Putin initiated a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and Moscow now occupies about 20% of Ukrainian territory.

The President's Evolving Stance

Sir Keir described the joint statement as "a vital part of our commitment to support Ukraine for the long-term".

He continued: "It establishes the pathway for the legal framework under which British, French and partner forces could function on Ukraine's territory, protecting Ukrainian airspace and waters, and regenerating Ukraine's military for the future."

Zelensky hailed that accord as a "significant leap of progress".

Twenty-four hours afterward, however, he seemed more cautious.

"I perceive the determination, the political will, and that the partners are ready, and the allies are willing to give us robust economic measures, powerful defense assurances," 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, supported by parliaments, supported by the United States Congress - this crucial issue remains unresolved. And even if they do, you still have to rely primarily on your inherent capabilities."

Unresolved Issues and Ongoing Conflict

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

One envoy stated the participating countries "mostly completed" their work on agreeing security protocols.

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

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

Putin has repeatedly warned that Ukraine's military must pull back from the entirety of the Donbas region or Moscow will take control, dismissing potential concessions over how to end the war.

The Ukrainian President has thus far rejected relinquishing any land, but has proposed that Ukraine could withdraw its troops to an established line - but only if Russia reciprocated the action.

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

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

Ukrainian forces have retaliated at Russian targets with drones, though with more limited success.