Zelensky says Allies have not given clear security guarantees to Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed concern that Ukraine still lacks clear and legally binding security guarantees from its international allies, even as diplomatic efforts to end the war with Russia intensify. Speaking to reporters, Zelensky said that despite ongoing discussions with European partners, he has not received a firm and unambiguous commitment that Ukraine would be protected in the event of renewed Russian aggression. His remarks came shortly after the United Kingdom and France signed a declaration of intent that outlines possible deployment of troops in Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed concern that Ukraine still lacks clear and legally binding security guarantees from its international allies, even as diplomatic efforts to end the war with Russia intensify. Speaking to reporters, Zelensky said that despite ongoing discussions with European partners, he has not received a firm and unambiguous commitment that Ukraine would be protected in the event of renewed Russian aggression. His remarks came shortly after the United Kingdom and France signed a declaration of intent that outlines possible deployment of troops in Ukraine if a peace agreement with Russia is reached. While this announcement was welcomed as a positive political signal, it stops short of offering full security guarantees. Reports indicate that the United States, which has played a leading role in negotiations and mediation efforts, did not sign onto such a pledge during recent talks held in Paris. The Paris meeting involved around 30 countries forming what has been described as the “Coalition of the Willing.” Following the talks, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said Britain and France would work to establish military hubs across Ukraine aimed at deterring any future Russian invasion. French President Emmanuel Macron later suggested that thousands of troops could potentially be deployed under a post-war security arrangement. Zelensky initially praised the UK–France agreement as a “huge step forward,” but later emphasized that political promises alone are not enough. He argued that security guarantees must be legally binding, approved by national parliaments, and supported by the United States Congress to be credible and effective. Without such guarantees, he said, Ukraine would have no choice but to rely mainly on its own military strength. Meanwhile, critical issues remain unresolved in peace negotiations, particularly the question of territory. Russia currently occupies about 20% of Ukrainian land, including large portions of the eastern Donbas region. Russian President Vladimir Putin has insisted that Ukrainian forces withdraw entirely from Donbas, a demand Zelensky has consistently rejected. As diplomacy continues, Russia is maintaining daily attacks on Ukrainian cities and vital infrastructure, especially energy facilities. Ukraine has responded with drone strikes on Russian targets, though with more limited results. Zelensky recently said a peace deal is “90% ready,” but stressed that security guarantees and territorial disputes remain the biggest obstacles to ending the war. Source: BBC News