🔗 Share this article Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky Declares He Lacks Explicit Defense Guarantee from European Partners The ongoing conflict in Ukraine is nearing its fourth anniversary. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says European allies have not given him sound guarantees that they will defend Ukraine in the case of a future Russian attack. "I continue to pose this critical question to every one of our allies and thus far, the answer remains elusive a definitive and straightforward response yet," he stated to the press on midweek. His comments come a day after Britain and France signed a declaration of intent on stationing forces in Ukraine if a peace deal to end the war with Russia is finalized. However, full security guarantees 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 pledge at discussions held in the French capital on the previous day. Outcomes from the Paris Discussions Following the negotiations in Paris, which involved some 30 countries that comprise the so-called Coalition of the Willing, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the two nations would "set up operational bases across Ukraine" to prevent any future incursion, while France's President Macron later said thousands of troops may be deployed. Partner nations suggested 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 part of the peace proposals are still being discussed. The Russian government has not yet commented on the declaration made in the city of Paris. Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a comprehensive military assault of Ukraine in February 2022, and Moscow now occupies about one-fifth of Ukrainian territory. The President's Evolving Stance The UK Prime Minister characterized the bilateral declaration as "a vital part of our dedication to stand with Ukraine for the foreseeable future". He continued: "It establishes the pathway for the legal framework under which allied military personnel could function on Ukrainian soil, securing Ukraine's skies and seas, and regenerating Ukraine's military for the future." The Ukrainian leader praised that accord as a "huge step forward". Twenty-four hours afterward, however, he seemed more cautious. "I perceive the determination, the political resolve, and that the allies are prepared, and the allies are willing to give us robust economic measures, powerful defense assurances," he said when questioned if European countries would defend Ukraine. "But as long as we lack such security guarantees - formally ratified, supported by parliaments, backed by the U.S. Congress - this question remains unresolved. And even if they do, you still have to rely primarily on your own strength." Unresolved Issues and Ongoing Conflict The Paris talks were also notable owing to the attendance of envoys from former President Trump's administration, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. One envoy stated the allies "largely finished" their work on finalizing security arrangements. Russia continues to strike Ukrainian cities and vital facilities nationwide on a regular basis. Recently, the President indicated a peace deal was "90% ready". Territorial concessions and defense pledges have been at the forefront of outstanding matters for diplomats. Putin has repeatedly warned that Ukraine's military must withdraw 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 relinquishing any land, but has suggested that Ukraine could redeploy its forces to an agreed point - but only if Russia did the same. Russian forces now holds about 75% of the Donetsk region, and some nearly all of the neighbouring Luhansk. The two regions constitute the industrial Donbas region. Attacks have been escalating against cities in Ukraine - particularly targeting power facilities. Moscow is also achieving slow progress in capturing more Ukrainian territory. Ukrainian forces have retaliated at Russian targets with unmanned aerial vehicles, though with more limited success.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine is nearing its fourth anniversary. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says European allies have not given him sound guarantees that they will defend Ukraine in the case of a future Russian attack. "I continue to pose this critical question to every one of our allies and thus far, the answer remains elusive a definitive and straightforward response yet," he stated to the press on midweek. His comments come a day after Britain and France signed a declaration of intent on stationing forces in Ukraine if a peace deal to end the war with Russia is finalized. However, full security guarantees 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 pledge at discussions held in the French capital on the previous day. Outcomes from the Paris Discussions Following the negotiations in Paris, which involved some 30 countries that comprise the so-called Coalition of the Willing, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the two nations would "set up operational bases across Ukraine" to prevent any future incursion, while France's President Macron later said thousands of troops may be deployed. Partner nations suggested 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 part of the peace proposals are still being discussed. The Russian government has not yet commented on the declaration made in the city of Paris. Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a comprehensive military assault of Ukraine in February 2022, and Moscow now occupies about one-fifth of Ukrainian territory. The President's Evolving Stance The UK Prime Minister characterized the bilateral declaration as "a vital part of our dedication to stand with Ukraine for the foreseeable future". He continued: "It establishes the pathway for the legal framework under which allied military personnel could function on Ukrainian soil, securing Ukraine's skies and seas, and regenerating Ukraine's military for the future." The Ukrainian leader praised that accord as a "huge step forward". Twenty-four hours afterward, however, he seemed more cautious. "I perceive the determination, the political resolve, and that the allies are prepared, and the allies are willing to give us robust economic measures, powerful defense assurances," he said when questioned if European countries would defend Ukraine. "But as long as we lack such security guarantees - formally ratified, supported by parliaments, backed by the U.S. Congress - this question remains unresolved. And even if they do, you still have to rely primarily on your own strength." Unresolved Issues and Ongoing Conflict The Paris talks were also notable owing to the attendance of envoys from former President Trump's administration, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. One envoy stated the allies "largely finished" their work on finalizing security arrangements. Russia continues to strike Ukrainian cities and vital facilities nationwide on a regular basis. Recently, the President indicated a peace deal was "90% ready". Territorial concessions and defense pledges have been at the forefront of outstanding matters for diplomats. Putin has repeatedly warned that Ukraine's military must withdraw 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 relinquishing any land, but has suggested that Ukraine could redeploy its forces to an agreed point - but only if Russia did the same. Russian forces now holds about 75% of the Donetsk region, and some nearly all of the neighbouring Luhansk. The two regions constitute the industrial Donbas region. Attacks have been escalating against cities in Ukraine - particularly targeting power facilities. Moscow is also achieving slow progress in capturing more Ukrainian territory. Ukrainian forces have retaliated at Russian targets with unmanned aerial vehicles, though with more limited success.