🔗 Share this article Zelensky Asserts He Lacks Clear Defense Guarantee from Allies The war in Ukraine is approaching its third year mark. President Zelensky has stated that Ukraine's partners in Europe have not given him sound guarantees that they will defend Ukraine in the event of a future Russian attack. "I am asking this very question to every one of our allies and I have not received a clear, unambiguous answer yet," he stated to the press on Wednesday. His comments come a day after Britain and France inked a declaration of intent on deploying troops 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 leading efforts to halt the offensive, reportedly did not sign such a commitment at discussions held in the French capital on the previous day. Outcomes from the Paris Discussions Following the negotiations in Paris, which included some three dozen nations that form the so-called 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 sent. Partner nations suggested that the US would assume a leading role in monitoring a truce. But the key issue of ceding land that Ukraine is being asked to grant to Russia as part of the peace proposals are continuing to be negotiated. Moscow has thus far remained silent on the declaration made in the French capital. President Putin launched a comprehensive military assault of Ukraine in February 2022, and Russian forces now occupies about one-fifth of Ukraine's land. The President's Evolving Stance Sir Keir described the joint statement as "a vital part of our dedication 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 Ukrainian soil, protecting Ukrainian airspace and waters, and rebuilding Ukraine's military for the future." The Ukrainian leader praised that agreement as a "huge step forward". A day later, however, he appeared less optimistic. "I see the will, the political resolve, and that the allies are prepared, 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 security guarantees - formally ratified, endorsed by legislatures, backed by the U.S. Congress - this crucial issue cannot be answered. And even if they do, you must ultimately depend first and foremost on your inherent capabilities." Persistent Challenges and Fighting The Paris talks were also significant owing to the attendance of envoys from former President Trump's administration, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. Witkoff said the participating countries "largely finished" their work on agreeing security protocols. Russia continues to strike populated areas in Ukraine and critical infrastructure across the country on a daily basis. Recently, the President indicated a peace deal was "90% ready". Questions of land and defense pledges have been at the forefront of unresolved issues for negotiators. Putin has repeatedly warned that Ukrainian troops must pull back from the entirety of the Donbas region or Moscow will take control, dismissing potential concessions 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. Russian forces now holds about 75% of the Donetsk oblast, and some 99% of the neighbouring Luhansk. The two regions constitute the Donbas industrial heartland. Attacks have been escalating against cities in Ukraine - with a focus on power facilities. Moscow is also achieving slow progress in seizing additional Ukrainian land. Ukraine has hit back at objectives inside Russia with unmanned aerial vehicles, though with varying degrees of effectiveness.
The war in Ukraine is approaching its third year mark. President Zelensky has stated that Ukraine's partners in Europe have not given him sound guarantees that they will defend Ukraine in the event of a future Russian attack. "I am asking this very question to every one of our allies and I have not received a clear, unambiguous answer yet," he stated to the press on Wednesday. His comments come a day after Britain and France inked a declaration of intent on deploying troops 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 leading efforts to halt the offensive, reportedly did not sign such a commitment at discussions held in the French capital on the previous day. Outcomes from the Paris Discussions Following the negotiations in Paris, which included some three dozen nations that form the so-called 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 sent. Partner nations suggested that the US would assume a leading role in monitoring a truce. But the key issue of ceding land that Ukraine is being asked to grant to Russia as part of the peace proposals are continuing to be negotiated. Moscow has thus far remained silent on the declaration made in the French capital. President Putin launched a comprehensive military assault of Ukraine in February 2022, and Russian forces now occupies about one-fifth of Ukraine's land. The President's Evolving Stance Sir Keir described the joint statement as "a vital part of our dedication 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 Ukrainian soil, protecting Ukrainian airspace and waters, and rebuilding Ukraine's military for the future." The Ukrainian leader praised that agreement as a "huge step forward". A day later, however, he appeared less optimistic. "I see the will, the political resolve, and that the allies are prepared, 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 security guarantees - formally ratified, endorsed by legislatures, backed by the U.S. Congress - this crucial issue cannot be answered. And even if they do, you must ultimately depend first and foremost on your inherent capabilities." Persistent Challenges and Fighting The Paris talks were also significant owing to the attendance of envoys from former President Trump's administration, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. Witkoff said the participating countries "largely finished" their work on agreeing security protocols. Russia continues to strike populated areas in Ukraine and critical infrastructure across the country on a daily basis. Recently, the President indicated a peace deal was "90% ready". Questions of land and defense pledges have been at the forefront of unresolved issues for negotiators. Putin has repeatedly warned that Ukrainian troops must pull back from the entirety of the Donbas region or Moscow will take control, dismissing potential concessions 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. Russian forces now holds about 75% of the Donetsk oblast, and some 99% of the neighbouring Luhansk. The two regions constitute the Donbas industrial heartland. Attacks have been escalating against cities in Ukraine - with a focus on power facilities. Moscow is also achieving slow progress in seizing additional Ukrainian land. Ukraine has hit back at objectives inside Russia with unmanned aerial vehicles, though with varying degrees of effectiveness.