🔗 Share this article Zelensky Declares He Lacks Definitive Defense Guarantee from European Partners The ongoing conflict in Ukraine is nearing its fourth anniversary. President Zelensky has stated that European allies have not given him concrete pledges that they will protect his country in the case of a fresh offensive by Russia. "I am asking this very question to every one of our allies 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 declaration of intent on stationing forces in Ukraine should a ceasefire agreement to end the war with Russia is agreed. However, comprehensive defense assurances have not been agreed. The United States, which has been leading efforts to halt the offensive, was reported to have abstained from signing such a pledge 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 so-called Coalition of the Willing, British PM Keir Starmer said the two nations 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 overseeing any ceasefire. But the central sticking point of territorial concessions that Ukraine is being pressured to offer to Russia as a component of the settlement terms are still being discussed. Moscow has thus far remained silent on the announcement made in the city of Paris. Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in the early months of 2022, and Russian forces now occupies about one-fifth of Ukrainian territory. Zelensky's Shifting Tone Sir Keir described the joint statement as "an essential component of our commitment to stand with Ukraine for the long-term". He added: "It paves the way 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 armed forces for the years to come." Zelensky hailed that agreement as a "significant leap of progress". A day later, however, he seemed more cautious. "I perceive the determination, the political will, 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 European countries would defend Ukraine. "However, until we lack such security guarantees - legally binding, supported by parliaments, backed by the U.S. Congress - this crucial issue remains unresolved. And should they materialize, you still have to rely primarily on your own strength." Unresolved Issues and Ongoing Conflict Negotiations in Paris were also notable due to the attendance of US President Donald Trump's peace envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. One envoy stated the allies "mostly completed" their work on agreeing security protocols. Russian forces persistently attack Ukrainian cities and vital facilities nationwide on a regular basis. Last week, the President indicated a settlement was "90% ready". Questions of land and defense pledges have been at the center of unresolved issues for diplomats. Putin has repeatedly warned that Ukrainian troops 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 agreed point - but provided that Russia did the same. Russian forces now holds about three-quarters of the Donetsk oblast, and some 99% of the neighbouring Luhansk. The pair of oblasts constitute the industrial Donbas region. It has been intensifying attacks against cities in Ukraine - particularly targeting power facilities. Moscow is also achieving slow progress in capturing more Ukrainian territory. Ukrainian forces have retaliated at objectives inside Russia with drones, though with varying degrees of effectiveness.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine is nearing its fourth anniversary. President Zelensky has stated that European allies have not given him concrete pledges that they will protect his country in the case of a fresh offensive by Russia. "I am asking this very question to every one of our allies 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 declaration of intent on stationing forces in Ukraine should a ceasefire agreement to end the war with Russia is agreed. However, comprehensive defense assurances have not been agreed. The United States, which has been leading efforts to halt the offensive, was reported to have abstained from signing such a pledge 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 so-called Coalition of the Willing, British PM Keir Starmer said the two nations 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 overseeing any ceasefire. But the central sticking point of territorial concessions that Ukraine is being pressured to offer to Russia as a component of the settlement terms are still being discussed. Moscow has thus far remained silent on the announcement made in the city of Paris. Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in the early months of 2022, and Russian forces now occupies about one-fifth of Ukrainian territory. Zelensky's Shifting Tone Sir Keir described the joint statement as "an essential component of our commitment to stand with Ukraine for the long-term". He added: "It paves the way 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 armed forces for the years to come." Zelensky hailed that agreement as a "significant leap of progress". A day later, however, he seemed more cautious. "I perceive the determination, the political will, 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 European countries would defend Ukraine. "However, until we lack such security guarantees - legally binding, supported by parliaments, backed by the U.S. Congress - this crucial issue remains unresolved. And should they materialize, you still have to rely primarily on your own strength." Unresolved Issues and Ongoing Conflict Negotiations in Paris were also notable due to the attendance of US President Donald Trump's peace envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. One envoy stated the allies "mostly completed" their work on agreeing security protocols. Russian forces persistently attack Ukrainian cities and vital facilities nationwide on a regular basis. Last week, the President indicated a settlement was "90% ready". Questions of land and defense pledges have been at the center of unresolved issues for diplomats. Putin has repeatedly warned that Ukrainian troops 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 agreed point - but provided that Russia did the same. Russian forces now holds about three-quarters of the Donetsk oblast, and some 99% of the neighbouring Luhansk. The pair of oblasts constitute the industrial Donbas region. It has been intensifying attacks against cities in Ukraine - particularly targeting power facilities. Moscow is also achieving slow progress in capturing more Ukrainian territory. Ukrainian forces have retaliated at objectives inside Russia with drones, though with varying degrees of effectiveness.