Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said European allies have not provided Ukraine with clear and binding security guarantees to protect the country from any future Russian aggression.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Zelensky said he had repeatedly asked partners whether they would defend Ukraine if Russia attacked again, but had not received a definite answer.
His remarks come after the UK and France signed a declaration expressing intent to deploy troops in Ukraine should a peace agreement with Russia be reached. While the move was described as a step forward, no formal or legally binding security guarantees have yet been finalised. The United States, which is leading diplomatic efforts to end the war, reportedly did not sign the pledge during talks held in Paris earlier this week.
The Paris meeting brought together representatives from around 30 countries in what has been described as a “Coalition of the Willing”. Following the talks, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said Britain and France would establish military hubs across Ukraine to help deter future Russian aggression. French President Emmanuel Macron later said that thousands of troops could potentially be deployed.
Proposals discussed included the US taking a leading role in monitoring any ceasefire. However, negotiations remain complicated by unresolved issues, particularly territorial concessions Ukraine is being asked to consider as part of a peace settlement.
Russia has not yet commented on the announcements made in Paris. Moscow currently controls around 20% of Ukrainian territory following its full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Sir Keir described the UK-France agreement as a long-term commitment to Ukraine, saying it would provide a legal framework for allied forces to operate in the country, protect its airspace and maritime routes, and help rebuild its armed forces. Zelensky initially welcomed the agreement, calling it a “huge step forward”.
However, he later struck a more cautious tone, stressing that Ukraine needs security guarantees that are legally binding and supported by national parliaments and the US Congress. He added that, regardless of international commitments, Ukraine must continue to rely primarily on its own military strength.
The Paris talks were also notable for the presence of US President Donald Trump’s peace envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Witkoff said most of the work on security arrangements had been completed.
Last week, Zelensky said a peace deal was “90% ready”, though major issues remain unresolved. Territorial control and long-term security guarantees continue to be the most contentious points. Russian President Vladimir Putin has demanded that Ukrainian forces withdraw from the eastern Donbas region, a condition Zelensky has rejected. While Ukraine has ruled out ceding territory, Zelensky has suggested that mutual troop withdrawals could be discussed if Russia agreed to the same terms.
Russia currently controls most of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions and has intensified strikes on Ukrainian cities, particularly targeting energy infrastructure. Ukraine has responded with drone attacks on Russian targets, though with more limited impact.
