🔗 Share this article Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky Declares Absence of Clear Defense Guarantee from Allies The ongoing conflict in Ukraine is nearing its third year mark. President Zelensky has stated that Ukraine's partners in Europe have not given him solid assurances that they will protect his country in the event of a future Russian attack. "I am asking this very question to every one of our allies and I have not received a clear, unambiguous answer yet," he stated to the press on midweek. These remarks follow a day after Britain and France signed a statement of purpose on stationing forces 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 leading efforts to halt the offensive, was reported to have abstained from signing such a commitment at discussions held in the French capital on Tuesday. Outcomes from the Paris Discussions After the Paris talks, which involved some three dozen nations 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 French President Emmanuel Macron later said thousands of troops may be sent. Allies proposed that the US would take the lead 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 still being discussed. The Russian government has not yet commented on the declaration made in the city of Paris. President Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and Moscow currently controls about 20% of Ukraine's land. Zelensky's Shifting Tone The UK Prime Minister characterized the joint statement as "a vital part of our dedication to stand with Ukraine for the foreseeable future". He added: "It establishes the pathway for the juridical structure under which British, French and partner forces could operate on Ukraine's territory, protecting Ukrainian airspace and waters, and rebuilding Ukraine's armed forces for the future." The Ukrainian leader praised that agreement as a "significant leap of progress". Twenty-four hours afterward, however, he appeared less optimistic. "I see the will, the political resolve, and that the partners are ready, and the allies are willing to give us robust economic measures, powerful defense assurances," he said when questioned if nations in Europe would defend Ukraine. "However, until we don't have such binding security pacts - formally ratified, endorsed by legislatures, supported by the United States Congress - this question remains unresolved. And even if they do, you still have to rely first and foremost on your inherent capabilities." Unresolved Issues and Ongoing Conflict The Paris talks were also notable due to the attendance of envoys from former President Trump's administration, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. One envoy stated the participating countries "mostly completed" their work on finalizing security arrangements. Russian forces persistently attack populated areas in Ukraine and critical infrastructure across the country on a daily basis. Recently, Zelensky said a settlement was "ninety percent complete". Territorial concessions 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 all of Ukraine's eastern Donbas or Russia will seize it, rejecting any compromise over how to conclude hostilities. Zelensky has so far ruled out ceding any territory, but has suggested that Ukraine could withdraw its troops to an established line - but only if Russia did the same. Moscow currently controls about 75% of the Donetsk oblast, and some 99% of the neighbouring Luhansk. The two regions constitute the Donbas industrial heartland. It has been intensifying attacks against Ukrainian cities - particularly targeting energy infrastructure. Moscow is also achieving incremental advances in capturing more Ukrainian territory. Ukraine has hit back at objectives inside Russia with drones, albeit with varying degrees of effectiveness.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine is nearing its third year mark. President Zelensky has stated that Ukraine's partners in Europe have not given him solid assurances that they will protect his country in the event of a future Russian attack. "I am asking this very question to every one of our allies and I have not received a clear, unambiguous answer yet," he stated to the press on midweek. These remarks follow a day after Britain and France signed a statement of purpose on stationing forces 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 leading efforts to halt the offensive, was reported to have abstained from signing such a commitment at discussions held in the French capital on Tuesday. Outcomes from the Paris Discussions After the Paris talks, which involved some three dozen nations 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 French President Emmanuel Macron later said thousands of troops may be sent. Allies proposed that the US would take the lead 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 still being discussed. The Russian government has not yet commented on the declaration made in the city of Paris. President Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and Moscow currently controls about 20% of Ukraine's land. Zelensky's Shifting Tone The UK Prime Minister characterized the joint statement as "a vital part of our dedication to stand with Ukraine for the foreseeable future". He added: "It establishes the pathway for the juridical structure under which British, French and partner forces could operate on Ukraine's territory, protecting Ukrainian airspace and waters, and rebuilding Ukraine's armed forces for the future." The Ukrainian leader praised that agreement as a "significant leap of progress". Twenty-four hours afterward, however, he appeared less optimistic. "I see the will, the political resolve, and that the partners are ready, and the allies are willing to give us robust economic measures, powerful defense assurances," he said when questioned if nations in Europe would defend Ukraine. "However, until we don't have such binding security pacts - formally ratified, endorsed by legislatures, supported by the United States Congress - this question remains unresolved. And even if they do, you still have to rely first and foremost on your inherent capabilities." Unresolved Issues and Ongoing Conflict The Paris talks were also notable due to the attendance of envoys from former President Trump's administration, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. One envoy stated the participating countries "mostly completed" their work on finalizing security arrangements. Russian forces persistently attack populated areas in Ukraine and critical infrastructure across the country on a daily basis. Recently, Zelensky said a settlement was "ninety percent complete". Territorial concessions 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 all of Ukraine's eastern Donbas or Russia will seize it, rejecting any compromise over how to conclude hostilities. Zelensky has so far ruled out ceding any territory, but has suggested that Ukraine could withdraw its troops to an established line - but only if Russia did the same. Moscow currently controls about 75% of the Donetsk oblast, and some 99% of the neighbouring Luhansk. The two regions constitute the Donbas industrial heartland. It has been intensifying attacks against Ukrainian cities - particularly targeting energy infrastructure. Moscow is also achieving incremental advances in capturing more Ukrainian territory. Ukraine has hit back at objectives inside Russia with drones, albeit with varying degrees of effectiveness.