Zelensky Demands Clear Security Guarantees from European Allies Amid Ongoing Tensions

Fri Jan 09 2026 00:20:35 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expresses concerns over lacking explicit assurances from European allies regarding Ukraine's defense against potential Russian aggression.

In a recent press conference, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that he has not received clear security guarantees from his European allies, despite recent discussions about deploying troops in Ukraine. This statement comes as part of ongoing negotiations aimed at finalizing a peace deal with Russia, while concerns about territorial concessions and ongoing military threats remain critical factors in the discussions.

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. 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.

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 and 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. However, he appeared less optimistic when he stated, Even if they do, you still have to rely primarily on your own strength.

The Paris talks were also notable owing to the presence of US President Donald Trump's peace envoys. Witkoff said the allies largely finished their work on agreeing security protocols.

With territorial concessions and security guarantees unresolved, Zelensky has maintained that Ukraine should not cede any territory, stating that critical discussions continue regarding threats to Ukraine's sovereignty.

As the situation evolves, the urgency for robust security assurances from allies remains paramount in securing Ukraine's defense against further Russian advances.