Zelensky States He Lacks Explicit Defense Guarantee from European Partners

President Zelensky has stated that European allies have failed to provide sound guarantees that they will defend Ukraine in the case of a fresh offensive by Russia.

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

These remarks follow 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 reached.

However, comprehensive defense assurances have yet to be solidified. The US, 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 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 "set up operational bases across Ukraine" to deter future invasion, while France's President Macron later said thousands of troops may be deployed.

Partner nations suggested that the US would assume a leading role in monitoring a truce. 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.

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

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

Zelensky's Shifting Tone

The UK Prime Minister characterized the bilateral declaration as "a vital part of our dedication to stand with Ukraine for the long-term".

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 regenerating Ukraine's armed forces for the future."

Zelensky hailed that accord as a "huge step forward".

A day later, however, he seemed more cautious.

"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 defend Ukraine.

"However, until we lack such security guarantees - legally binding, endorsed by legislatures, supported by the United States Congress - this question cannot be answered. And should they materialize, you still have to rely primarily on your inherent capabilities."

Unresolved Issues and Ongoing Conflict

Negotiations in Paris were also notable due to the attendance of US President Donald Trump's peace envoys, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff.

Witkoff said the participating countries "mostly completed" their work on agreeing security protocols.

Last week, Zelensky said a settlement was "ninety percent complete".

Territorial concessions and defense pledges have been at the center of unresolved issues for negotiators.

Putin has repeatedly warned that Ukraine's military must withdraw from all of Ukraine's eastern Donbas or Russia will seize it, dismissing potential concessions over how to end the war.

The Ukrainian President has thus far rejected ceding any territory, but has proposed that Ukraine could redeploy its forces to an established line - but only if Russia reciprocated the action.

Moscow currently controls about three-quarters of the Donetsk oblast, and some 99% of the neighbouring Luhansk. The pair of oblasts constitute the industrial Donbas region.

It has been intensifying attacks against Ukrainian cities - particularly targeting power facilities. Moscow is also achieving slow progress in capturing more Ukrainian territory.

Ukrainian forces have retaliated at Russian targets with drones, though with more limited success.