Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky States He Lacks Explicit Security Pledge from Allies

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says European allies have not given him sound guarantees that they will protect his country in the case of a new Russian aggression.

"I am asking this very question to all our partners and I have not received a definitive and straightforward response yet," he told reporters on midweek.

His comments come a day after the UK and France signed a declaration of intent on deploying troops in Ukraine if a peace deal to conclude the conflict with Moscow is agreed.

However, full security guarantees have not been agreed. The United States, which has been spearheading initiatives 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 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 French President Emmanuel Macron later said a significant number of soldiers may be deployed.

Partner nations suggested that the United States 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.

Moscow has not yet commented on the announcement made in the French capital.

Russian President Vladimir Putin initiated a comprehensive military assault of Ukraine in February 2022, and Russian forces currently controls about 20% of Ukrainian territory.

The President's Evolving Stance

The UK Prime Minister characterized the bilateral declaration as "a vital part of our commitment to stand with Ukraine for the foreseeable future".

He continued: "It establishes the pathway for the juridical structure under which allied military personnel could operate on Ukraine's territory, protecting Ukrainian airspace and waters, and regenerating Ukraine's military for the future."

The Ukrainian leader praised that accord 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 partners are ready to give us robust economic measures, strong security guarantees," he said when questioned if nations in Europe would come to Ukraine's aid.

"However, until we lack such binding security pacts - formally ratified, supported by parliaments, supported by the United States Congress - this crucial issue cannot be answered. And should they materialize, you still have to rely first and foremost on your inherent capabilities."

Unresolved Issues and Ongoing Conflict

The Paris talks were also notable owing to the presence of US President Donald Trump's peace envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

One envoy stated the allies "largely finished" their work on finalizing security arrangements.

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

Territorial concessions and security guarantees have been at the forefront of unresolved issues for diplomats.

Putin has repeatedly warned that Ukrainian troops must pull back from all of Ukraine's eastern Donbas or Moscow will take control, dismissing potential concessions over how to conclude hostilities.

Zelensky has so far ruled out relinquishing any land, but has proposed that Ukraine could withdraw its troops to an established line - but provided that Russia reciprocated the action.

Moscow now holds about three-quarters of the Donetsk oblast, and some nearly all of the neighbouring Luhansk. The two regions constitute the industrial Donbas region.

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, though with more limited success.