In brief
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has revealed that he has not received definitive security assurances from European allies in the wake of potential new Russian aggression. His statement followed a recent collaboration between the UK and France, which signed a declaration to consider deploying troops in Ukraine only if a peace deal is established. Zelensky emphasizes the need for legally binding guarantees to ensure the integrity and safety of Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says European allies have not given him sound guarantees that they will protect his country in the case of a new Russian aggression.
I am asking this very question to all our partners and I have not received a clear, unambiguous answer yet, he told reporters on Wednesday.
His comments come a day after the UK and France signed a declaration of intent on deploying troops in Ukraine if a peace deal to end the war with Russia is agreed.
But full security guarantees have not been agreed. The US, which has been leading efforts to end the invasion, reportedly did not sign such a pledge at talks in Paris on Tuesday.
After the Paris talks, which included some 30 countries 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 deter future invasion, while French President Emmanuel Macron later said thousands of troops may be deployed.
Allies proposed that the US would take the lead in monitoring a truce. However, the key issue of territorial concessions that Ukraine is being asked to grant to Russia as part of the peace proposals remains under discussion.
Moscow has not yet commented on the announcement made in the French capital.
Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and Moscow currently controls about 20% of Ukrainian territory.
Sir Keir described the joint statement as a vital part of our commitment to stand with Ukraine for the long-term. He added: It paves the way for the legal framework under which British, French and partner forces could operate on Ukrainian soil, securing Ukraine's skies and seas, and regenerating Ukraine's armed forces for the future. Zelensky hailed that agreement as a huge step forward but later appeared less optimistic.
I see the will, the political will, and that the partners are ready, and the partners are ready to give us strong sanctions, strong security guarantees, he said when asked if European countries would defend Ukraine.
Nonetheless, he stressed the importance of legally binding commitments and the need to primarily rely on Ukraine's own strength amidst ongoing negotiations. The situation continues to evolve as the international community seeks to address the complexities inherent in the conflict.
