Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky States He Lacks Definitive Defense Guarantee from Partner Nations

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine's partners in Europe have failed to provide concrete pledges that they will protect his country in the event of a new Russian aggression.

"I am asking this very question to every one of our allies and thus far, the answer remains elusive a definitive and straightforward response yet," he told reporters on Wednesday.

These remarks follow a day after Britain and France inked a declaration of intent on stationing forces in Ukraine if a peace deal to conclude the conflict with Moscow is agreed.

However, full security guarantees have yet to be solidified. The US, which has been spearheading initiatives to end the invasion, reportedly did not sign such a pledge at discussions held in the French capital on Tuesday.

Outcomes from the Paris Discussions

Following the negotiations in Paris, which included some three dozen nations that comprise the so-called Coalition of the Willing, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the two nations would "set up operational bases across Ukraine" to deter future invasion, while France's President Macron subsequently indicated thousands of troops may be sent.

Allies proposed that the US would assume a leading role 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.

The Russian government has not yet commented on the declaration made in the city of Paris.

President Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in the early months of 2022, and Russian forces currently controls about 20% of Ukrainian territory.

The President's Evolving Stance

Sir Keir described the joint statement as "an essential component of our dedication to support Ukraine for the long-term".

He continued: "It paves the way for the juridical structure under which allied military personnel could operate on Ukraine's territory, securing Ukraine's skies and seas, and rebuilding Ukraine's armed forces for the years to come."

The Ukrainian leader praised that accord as a "significant leap of progress".

Twenty-four hours afterward, however, he seemed more cautious.

"I perceive the determination, the political will, and that the allies are prepared, and the allies are willing to give us robust economic measures, powerful defense assurances," he said when asked if European countries would come to Ukraine's aid.

"But as long as we don't have such binding security pacts - formally ratified, endorsed by legislatures, backed by the U.S. Congress - this question remains unresolved. And should they materialize, you still have to rely primarily on your inherent capabilities."

Unresolved Issues and Ongoing Conflict

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.

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

Questions of land and defense pledges have been at the center of outstanding matters for diplomats.

Putin has repeatedly warned that Ukrainian troops must withdraw from the entirety of the Donbas region or Moscow will take control, rejecting any compromise over how to conclude hostilities.

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

Attacks have been escalating against cities in Ukraine - with a focus on energy infrastructure. Moscow is also achieving slow progress in capturing more Ukrainian territory.

Ukrainian forces have retaliated at Russian targets with unmanned aerial vehicles, albeit with varying degrees of effectiveness.