As the Ukraine conflict approaches its fourth anniversary, President Volodymyr Zelensky has publicly questioned the reliability of European security assurances against potential future Russian aggression. Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Zelensky revealed he continues to seek unambiguous commitments from international partners without receiving satisfactory responses.
This declaration follows Tuesday’s significant development in Paris where the United Kingdom and France signed a declaration of intent regarding potential troop deployments to Ukraine should a peace agreement with Russia materialize. The Paris talks, involving approximately 30 nations comprising the ‘Coalition of the Willing,’ marked a diplomatic milestone though notably lacked full security guarantee commitments.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer characterized the joint statement as ‘a vital part of our commitment to stand with Ukraine for the long-term,’ outlining plans to establish military hubs across Ukraine to deter future invasions. French President Emmanuel Macron further suggested the potential deployment of thousands of troops under appropriate circumstances.
While allies proposed that the United States would lead ceasefire monitoring efforts, critical issues regarding territorial concessions to Russia remain unresolved. Moscow maintains control over approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory, including 75% of the Donetsk region and nearly all of neighboring Luhansk, collectively known as the industrial Donbas region.
The diplomatic landscape has grown increasingly complex with the involvement of former President Donald Trump’s peace envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who participated in the Paris discussions. Witkoff reported that security protocols were ‘largely finished,’ though Zelensky’s subsequent comments reflected diminished optimism regarding legally binding guarantees supported by parliamentary approvals, including the US Congress.
Despite Zelensky’s previous assertion that a peace deal was ‘90% ready,’ the fundamental contradictions persist: Putin demands complete Ukrainian withdrawal from Donbas while Zelensky remains unwilling to cede territory, proposing mutual troop withdrawals to agreed positions instead. Meanwhile, Russia continues daily strikes against Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure while making gradual territorial advances, met by Ukrainian drone counterattacks with limited effectiveness.