Zelensky Declares Absence of Clear Defense Guarantee from Partner Nations

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine's partners in Europe have failed to provide solid assurances that they will protect his country in the event of a fresh offensive by Russia.

"I continue to pose this critical question to all our partners and thus far, the answer remains elusive a definitive and straightforward response yet," he told reporters on midweek.

His comments come a day after Britain and France inked a statement of purpose on stationing forces in Ukraine if a peace deal to end the war with Russia is reached.

However, comprehensive defense assurances have not been agreed. The US, which has been leading efforts to halt the offensive, reportedly did not sign such a pledge 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 comprise the group termed the 'Coalition of the Willing', UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the UK and France would "establish military hubs across Ukraine" to prevent any future incursion, while France's President Macron later said thousands of troops may be deployed.

Allies proposed that the US would take the lead in overseeing any ceasefire. But the key issue of territorial concessions that Ukraine is being pressured to offer 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 French capital.

President Putin launched a comprehensive military assault of Ukraine in the early months of 2022, and Moscow currently controls about 20% of Ukrainian territory.

Zelensky's Shifting Tone

Sir Keir described the joint statement as "a vital part of our dedication to support Ukraine for the long-term".

He continued: "It establishes the pathway for the legal framework under which allied military personnel could operate on Ukraine's territory, protecting Ukrainian airspace and waters, and regenerating Ukraine's military for the years to come."

Zelensky hailed that agreement 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 partners are ready to give us strong sanctions, strong security guarantees," he said when questioned if European countries would come to Ukraine's aid.

"But as long as we lack such binding security pacts - legally binding, endorsed by legislatures, supported by the United States Congress - this question remains unresolved. And should they materialize, you must ultimately depend first and foremost on your inherent capabilities."

Unresolved Issues and Ongoing Conflict

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 "largely finished" their work on agreeing security protocols.

Last week, the President indicated a peace deal was "90% ready".

Questions of land and defense pledges have been at the forefront of outstanding matters for negotiators.

Putin has repeatedly warned that Ukrainian troops must pull back from the entirety of the Donbas region or Russia will seize it, rejecting any compromise over how to conclude hostilities.

Zelensky has so far ruled out ceding any territory, but has proposed that Ukraine could redeploy its forces to an agreed point - but provided that Russia reciprocated the action.

Moscow now holds about three-quarters of the Donetsk region, and some nearly all of the adjacent Luhansk region. The pair of oblasts constitute the Donbas industrial heartland.

It has been intensifying attacks against cities in Ukraine - with a focus on power facilities. Russia has also made incremental advances in seizing additional Ukrainian land.

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