🔗 Share this article Zelensky States He Lacks Explicit Defense Guarantee from European Partners The war in Ukraine is nearing its third year mark. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine's partners in Europe have failed to provide sound guarantees that they will protect his country in the event of a future Russian attack. "I am asking this very question to every one of our allies and thus far, the answer remains elusive a clear, unambiguous answer yet," he told reporters on Wednesday. His comments come a day after Britain and France inked a statement of purpose on deploying troops 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, was reported to have abstained from signing such a commitment at talks in Paris on Tuesday. Outcomes from the Paris Discussions Following the negotiations in Paris, which involved some 30 countries that form the so-called Coalition of the Willing, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the two nations would "establish military hubs across Ukraine" to deter future invasion, while French President Emmanuel Macron subsequently indicated a significant number of soldiers 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 pressured to offer to Russia as part of the peace proposals are still being discussed. Moscow has thus far remained silent on the declaration made in the city of Paris. President Putin launched a comprehensive military assault of Ukraine in February 2022, and Russian forces now occupies about one-fifth of Ukrainian territory. The President's Evolving Stance The UK Prime Minister characterized the joint statement as "an essential component of our dedication to stand with Ukraine for the long-term". He added: "It paves the way for the legal framework under which allied military personnel could operate on Ukrainian soil, protecting Ukrainian airspace and waters, and rebuilding Ukraine's military for the years to come." The Ukrainian leader praised that accord as a "huge step forward". A day later, however, he appeared less optimistic. "I perceive the determination, the political resolve, and that the partners are ready, and the allies are willing to give us robust economic measures, strong security guarantees," he said when questioned if European countries would defend Ukraine. "However, until we lack such security guarantees - formally ratified, endorsed by legislatures, supported by the United States Congress - this crucial issue remains unresolved. And even if they do, you must ultimately depend primarily on your own strength." Persistent Challenges and Fighting Negotiations in Paris were also notable due to the attendance of envoys from former President Trump's administration, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. One envoy stated the allies "mostly completed" their work on agreeing security protocols. Russia continues to strike Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure across the country on a regular basis. Last week, the President indicated a settlement was "90% ready". Territorial concessions and defense pledges have been at the center of outstanding matters for negotiators. The Russian leader has consistently stated that Ukrainian troops must pull back from all of Ukraine's eastern Donbas or Russia will seize it, dismissing potential concessions over how to end the war. Zelensky has so far ruled out relinquishing any land, but has suggested that Ukraine could redeploy its forces to an established line - but provided that Russia reciprocated the action. Russian forces now holds about three-quarters of the Donetsk oblast, and some nearly all of the adjacent Luhansk region. The pair of oblasts form the Donbas industrial heartland. It has been intensifying attacks against Ukrainian cities - with a focus on energy infrastructure. Russia has also made incremental advances in seizing additional Ukrainian land. Ukrainian forces have retaliated at Russian targets with drones, though with more limited success.
The war in Ukraine is nearing its third year mark. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine's partners in Europe have failed to provide sound guarantees that they will protect his country in the event of a future Russian attack. "I am asking this very question to every one of our allies and thus far, the answer remains elusive a clear, unambiguous answer yet," he told reporters on Wednesday. His comments come a day after Britain and France inked a statement of purpose on deploying troops 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, was reported to have abstained from signing such a commitment at talks in Paris on Tuesday. Outcomes from the Paris Discussions Following the negotiations in Paris, which involved some 30 countries that form the so-called Coalition of the Willing, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the two nations would "establish military hubs across Ukraine" to deter future invasion, while French President Emmanuel Macron subsequently indicated a significant number of soldiers 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 pressured to offer to Russia as part of the peace proposals are still being discussed. Moscow has thus far remained silent on the declaration made in the city of Paris. President Putin launched a comprehensive military assault of Ukraine in February 2022, and Russian forces now occupies about one-fifth of Ukrainian territory. The President's Evolving Stance The UK Prime Minister characterized the joint statement as "an essential component of our dedication to stand with Ukraine for the long-term". He added: "It paves the way for the legal framework under which allied military personnel could operate on Ukrainian soil, protecting Ukrainian airspace and waters, and rebuilding Ukraine's military for the years to come." The Ukrainian leader praised that accord as a "huge step forward". A day later, however, he appeared less optimistic. "I perceive the determination, the political resolve, and that the partners are ready, and the allies are willing to give us robust economic measures, strong security guarantees," he said when questioned if European countries would defend Ukraine. "However, until we lack such security guarantees - formally ratified, endorsed by legislatures, supported by the United States Congress - this crucial issue remains unresolved. And even if they do, you must ultimately depend primarily on your own strength." Persistent Challenges and Fighting Negotiations in Paris were also notable due to the attendance of envoys from former President Trump's administration, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. One envoy stated the allies "mostly completed" their work on agreeing security protocols. Russia continues to strike Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure across the country on a regular basis. Last week, the President indicated a settlement was "90% ready". Territorial concessions and defense pledges have been at the center of outstanding matters for negotiators. The Russian leader has consistently stated that Ukrainian troops must pull back from all of Ukraine's eastern Donbas or Russia will seize it, dismissing potential concessions over how to end the war. Zelensky has so far ruled out relinquishing any land, but has suggested that Ukraine could redeploy its forces to an established line - but provided that Russia reciprocated the action. Russian forces now holds about three-quarters of the Donetsk oblast, and some nearly all of the adjacent Luhansk region. The pair of oblasts form the Donbas industrial heartland. It has been intensifying attacks against Ukrainian cities - with a focus on energy infrastructure. Russia has also made incremental advances in seizing additional Ukrainian land. Ukrainian forces have retaliated at Russian targets with drones, though with more limited success.