🔗 Share this article Zelensky Declares He Lacks Clear Security Pledge from Allies The war in Ukraine is nearing its third year mark. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says European allies have not given him sound guarantees that they will defend Ukraine in the case of a fresh offensive by Russia. "I continue to pose this critical question to every one of our allies and I have not received a definitive and straightforward response yet," he stated to the press on Wednesday. These remarks follow a day after the UK and France inked a declaration of intent on stationing forces in Ukraine if a peace deal to conclude the conflict with Moscow is reached. However, comprehensive defense assurances have not been agreed. The United States, which has been spearheading initiatives to end the invasion, reportedly did not sign 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 included some 30 countries that comprise the group termed the 'Coalition of the Willing', UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the UK and France would "set up operational bases across Ukraine" to prevent any future incursion, while French President Emmanuel Macron subsequently indicated a significant number of soldiers may be deployed. Allies proposed that the United States would assume a leading role in monitoring a truce. But the central sticking point of ceding land 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 launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and Russian forces now occupies about 20% of Ukraine's land. Zelensky's Shifting Tone Sir Keir described the bilateral declaration as "an essential component of our commitment to stand with Ukraine for the long-term". He added: "It paves the way for the juridical structure under which British, French and partner forces could function on Ukrainian soil, securing Ukraine's skies and seas, 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 perceive the determination, the political will, 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, supported by parliaments, backed by the U.S. Congress - this crucial issue remains unresolved. And even if they do, you still have to rely first and foremost on your inherent capabilities." Unresolved Issues and Ongoing Conflict Negotiations in Paris were also significant owing to the presence 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. Russian forces persistently attack Ukrainian cities and vital facilities nationwide on a daily basis. Recently, the President indicated a settlement was "90% ready". Territorial concessions and defense pledges have been at the forefront of outstanding matters for diplomats. The Russian leader has consistently stated that Ukraine's military must pull back from the entirety of the Donbas region or Moscow will take control, rejecting any compromise 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 established line - but provided that Russia reciprocated the action. Moscow currently controls about 75% of the Donetsk oblast, and some 99% of the adjacent Luhansk region. The two regions form the Donbas industrial heartland. It has been intensifying attacks against Ukrainian cities - particularly targeting energy infrastructure. Russia has also made incremental advances in seizing additional Ukrainian land. Ukrainian forces have retaliated at objectives inside Russia with unmanned aerial vehicles, albeit with more limited success.
The war in Ukraine is nearing its third year mark. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says European allies have not given him sound guarantees that they will defend Ukraine in the case of a fresh offensive by Russia. "I continue to pose this critical question to every one of our allies and I have not received a definitive and straightforward response yet," he stated to the press on Wednesday. These remarks follow a day after the UK and France inked a declaration of intent on stationing forces in Ukraine if a peace deal to conclude the conflict with Moscow is reached. However, comprehensive defense assurances have not been agreed. The United States, which has been spearheading initiatives to end the invasion, reportedly did not sign 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 included some 30 countries that comprise the group termed the 'Coalition of the Willing', UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the UK and France would "set up operational bases across Ukraine" to prevent any future incursion, while French President Emmanuel Macron subsequently indicated a significant number of soldiers may be deployed. Allies proposed that the United States would assume a leading role in monitoring a truce. But the central sticking point of ceding land 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 launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and Russian forces now occupies about 20% of Ukraine's land. Zelensky's Shifting Tone Sir Keir described the bilateral declaration as "an essential component of our commitment to stand with Ukraine for the long-term". He added: "It paves the way for the juridical structure under which British, French and partner forces could function on Ukrainian soil, securing Ukraine's skies and seas, 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 perceive the determination, the political will, 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, supported by parliaments, backed by the U.S. Congress - this crucial issue remains unresolved. And even if they do, you still have to rely first and foremost on your inherent capabilities." Unresolved Issues and Ongoing Conflict Negotiations in Paris were also significant owing to the presence 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. Russian forces persistently attack Ukrainian cities and vital facilities nationwide on a daily basis. Recently, the President indicated a settlement was "90% ready". Territorial concessions and defense pledges have been at the forefront of outstanding matters for diplomats. The Russian leader has consistently stated that Ukraine's military must pull back from the entirety of the Donbas region or Moscow will take control, rejecting any compromise 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 established line - but provided that Russia reciprocated the action. Moscow currently controls about 75% of the Donetsk oblast, and some 99% of the adjacent Luhansk region. The two regions form the Donbas industrial heartland. It has been intensifying attacks against Ukrainian cities - particularly targeting energy infrastructure. Russia has also made incremental advances in seizing additional Ukrainian land. Ukrainian forces have retaliated at objectives inside Russia with unmanned aerial vehicles, albeit with more limited success.