🔗 Share this article Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky States He Lacks Clear Security Pledge from Allies The ongoing conflict in Ukraine is nearing its fourth anniversary. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says European allies have not given him sound guarantees that they will protect his country in the case of a fresh offensive by Russia. "I continue to pose this critical 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 the UK and France inked a statement of purpose on deploying troops in Ukraine should a ceasefire agreement to end the war with Russia is agreed. However, full security guarantees have not been agreed. The US, which has been spearheading initiatives to end the invasion, 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 involved some three dozen nations that form the so-called Coalition of the Willing, British PM Keir Starmer said the two nations would "establish military hubs across Ukraine" to deter future invasion, while France's President Macron subsequently indicated a significant number of soldiers may be sent. Partner nations suggested that the United States would take the lead in overseeing any ceasefire. But the central sticking point of territorial concessions that Ukraine is being asked to grant to Russia as part of the peace proposals are continuing to be negotiated. The Russian government has thus far remained silent on the declaration made in the city of Paris. Russian President Vladimir Putin initiated a comprehensive military assault of Ukraine in the early months of 2022, and Moscow now occupies about one-fifth of Ukrainian territory. Zelensky's Shifting Tone Sir Keir described the joint statement 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 function on Ukraine's territory, securing Ukraine's skies and seas, and rebuilding 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 allies are prepared, and the partners are ready to give us strong sanctions, strong security guarantees," he said when questioned if European countries would defend Ukraine. "However, until we don't have such security guarantees - formally ratified, endorsed by legislatures, supported by the United States Congress - this crucial issue cannot be answered. And even if they do, you must ultimately depend first and foremost on your inherent capabilities." Unresolved Issues and Ongoing Conflict The Paris talks were also significant owing to the presence of US President Donald Trump's peace envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Witkoff said the allies "mostly completed" their work on agreeing security protocols. Russia continues to strike populated areas in Ukraine and critical infrastructure nationwide on a regular basis. Recently, Zelensky said a peace deal was "90% ready". Questions of land and security guarantees have been at the center of outstanding matters for diplomats. The Russian leader has consistently stated that Ukraine's military must withdraw from the entirety of the Donbas region 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 agreed point - but only if Russia reciprocated the action. Russian forces currently controls about three-quarters of the Donetsk oblast, and some 99% of the neighbouring Luhansk. The pair of oblasts form the Donbas industrial heartland. It has been intensifying attacks against cities in Ukraine - particularly targeting power facilities. Russia has also made incremental advances in seizing additional Ukrainian land. Ukraine has hit back at Russian targets with unmanned aerial vehicles, albeit with varying degrees of effectiveness.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine is nearing its fourth anniversary. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says European allies have not given him sound guarantees that they will protect his country in the case of a fresh offensive by Russia. "I continue to pose this critical 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 the UK and France inked a statement of purpose on deploying troops in Ukraine should a ceasefire agreement to end the war with Russia is agreed. However, full security guarantees have not been agreed. The US, which has been spearheading initiatives to end the invasion, 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 involved some three dozen nations that form the so-called Coalition of the Willing, British PM Keir Starmer said the two nations would "establish military hubs across Ukraine" to deter future invasion, while France's President Macron subsequently indicated a significant number of soldiers may be sent. Partner nations suggested that the United States would take the lead in overseeing any ceasefire. But the central sticking point of territorial concessions that Ukraine is being asked to grant to Russia as part of the peace proposals are continuing to be negotiated. The Russian government has thus far remained silent on the declaration made in the city of Paris. Russian President Vladimir Putin initiated a comprehensive military assault of Ukraine in the early months of 2022, and Moscow now occupies about one-fifth of Ukrainian territory. Zelensky's Shifting Tone Sir Keir described the joint statement 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 function on Ukraine's territory, securing Ukraine's skies and seas, and rebuilding 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 allies are prepared, and the partners are ready to give us strong sanctions, strong security guarantees," he said when questioned if European countries would defend Ukraine. "However, until we don't have such security guarantees - formally ratified, endorsed by legislatures, supported by the United States Congress - this crucial issue cannot be answered. And even if they do, you must ultimately depend first and foremost on your inherent capabilities." Unresolved Issues and Ongoing Conflict The Paris talks were also significant owing to the presence of US President Donald Trump's peace envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Witkoff said the allies "mostly completed" their work on agreeing security protocols. Russia continues to strike populated areas in Ukraine and critical infrastructure nationwide on a regular basis. Recently, Zelensky said a peace deal was "90% ready". Questions of land and security guarantees have been at the center of outstanding matters for diplomats. The Russian leader has consistently stated that Ukraine's military must withdraw from the entirety of the Donbas region 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 agreed point - but only if Russia reciprocated the action. Russian forces currently controls about three-quarters of the Donetsk oblast, and some 99% of the neighbouring Luhansk. The pair of oblasts form the Donbas industrial heartland. It has been intensifying attacks against cities in Ukraine - particularly targeting power facilities. Russia has also made incremental advances in seizing additional Ukrainian land. Ukraine has hit back at Russian targets with unmanned aerial vehicles, albeit with varying degrees of effectiveness.