Zelensky Declares Absence of Explicit Security Pledge from Partner Nations

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine's partners in Europe have not given him concrete pledges that they will protect his country in the case of a new Russian aggression.

"I continue to pose this critical question to every one of our allies and thus far, the answer remains elusive a clear, unambiguous answer yet," he told reporters on Wednesday.

His comments come a day after Britain and France inked a declaration of intent on deploying troops in Ukraine if a peace deal to conclude the conflict with Moscow is reached.

However, comprehensive defense assurances have not been agreed. The United States, which has been leading efforts to halt the offensive, reportedly did not sign such a commitment at discussions held in the French capital on the previous day.

Details of the Paris Talks

After the Paris talks, which included 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 deter future invasion, while France's President Macron later said thousands of troops may be deployed.

Partner nations suggested that the United States would take the lead in monitoring a truce. But the key issue of ceding land that Ukraine is being pressured to offer to Russia as a component of the settlement terms are continuing to be negotiated.

Moscow has not yet commented on the declaration made in the French capital.

Russian President Vladimir Putin initiated a comprehensive military assault of Ukraine in February 2022, and Moscow currently controls about 20% of Ukraine's land.

Zelensky's Shifting Tone

Sir Keir described the bilateral declaration as "a vital part of our dedication to stand with Ukraine for the long-term".

He added: "It establishes the pathway for the legal framework under which allied military personnel could operate on Ukrainian soil, 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 partners are ready, and the allies are willing to give us robust economic measures, strong security guarantees," he said when asked if European countries would come to Ukraine's aid.

"However, until we lack such binding security pacts - formally ratified, supported by parliaments, supported by the United States Congress - this question remains unresolved. And even if they do, you must ultimately depend primarily on your inherent capabilities."

Persistent Challenges and Fighting

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

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

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

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

The Russian leader has consistently stated that Ukraine's military must pull back from the entirety of the Donbas region or Russia will seize it, dismissing potential concessions over how to end the war.

Zelensky has so far ruled out ceding any territory, but has proposed that Ukraine could withdraw its troops to an established line - but provided that Russia reciprocated the action.

Russian forces currently controls about three-quarters of the Donetsk region, and some 99% of the adjacent Luhansk region. The two regions constitute the industrial Donbas region.

It has been intensifying attacks against cities in Ukraine - particularly targeting energy infrastructure. Moscow is also achieving slow progress in capturing more Ukrainian territory.

Ukraine has hit back at objectives inside Russia with drones, albeit with varying degrees of effectiveness.