Zelensky Declares Absence of Explicit Defense Guarantee from European Partners

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine's partners in Europe have not given him sound guarantees that they will defend Ukraine in the event of a new Russian aggression.

"I am asking this very question to all our partners and I have not received a definitive and straightforward response yet," he stated to the press on midweek.

His comments come a day after the UK and France inked a statement of purpose on stationing forces in Ukraine if a peace deal to conclude the conflict with Moscow is agreed.

However, comprehensive defense assurances have yet to be solidified. The US, which has been leading efforts to end the invasion, reportedly did not sign such a commitment at talks in Paris on the previous day.

Outcomes from the Paris Discussions

After the Paris talks, which involved some 30 countries that form the group termed the 'Coalition of the Willing', British PM Keir Starmer said the UK and France would "establish military hubs across Ukraine" to deter future invasion, while French President Emmanuel Macron later said a significant number of soldiers may be deployed.

Partner nations suggested that the US would assume a leading role in monitoring a truce. But the central sticking point of territorial concessions that Ukraine is being asked to grant to Russia as part of the peace proposals are still being discussed.

Moscow has thus far remained silent on the announcement made in the French capital.

Russian President Vladimir Putin initiated a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and Russian forces currently controls about 20% 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 legal framework under which allied military personnel could operate on Ukrainian soil, protecting Ukrainian airspace and waters, and regenerating Ukraine's military 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 will, and that the partners are ready, and the allies are willing to give us strong sanctions, strong security guarantees," he said when questioned if nations in Europe would come to Ukraine's aid.

"However, until we don't have such binding security pacts - formally ratified, supported by parliaments, supported by the United States Congress - this crucial issue cannot be answered. And even if they do, you still have to rely primarily on your own strength."

Persistent Challenges and Fighting

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

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

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

Territorial concessions and security guarantees have been at the forefront of unresolved issues for negotiators.

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.

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

Russian forces now holds about 75% of the Donetsk oblast, and some 99% of the neighbouring Luhansk. The pair of oblasts form the Donbas industrial heartland.

It has been intensifying attacks against cities in Ukraine - particularly targeting power facilities. Russia has also made incremental advances in capturing more Ukrainian territory.

Ukraine has hit back at Russian targets with drones, though with more limited success.