Zelensky Struggles for Security Promises from Allies Amid Ongoing War

Thu Jan 08 2026 22:38:09 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expresses concerns about the lack of clear security guarantees from European allies following discussions about troop deployment in Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Zelensky stated he hasn't received firm security assurances from European allies regarding protection against potential Russian aggression. This comes just after the UK and France proposed deploying troops if a peace agreement is reached. While he acknowledges support, Zelensky emphasizes the need for legally binding guarantees backed by U.S. Congress before feeling secure. The ongoing conflict, which began in February 2022, has left Russia controlling nearly 20% of Ukraine's territory.

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—attended by around 30 countries part of the 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 indicated that thousands of troops may be deployed.

Allies proposed that the US would monitor a truce, but the vital issue of territorial concessions for Russia as part of peace proposals is still in discussion. Remarkably, Moscow has not commented on the announcements made in the French capital.

Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, leading to Russia controlling around 20% of Ukrainian territory.

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, Zelensky stated when asked if European countries would defend Ukraine.

However, he asserted, As long as we don't have such security guarantees—legally binding, supported by parliaments, supported by the United States Congress—this question cannot be answered. And even if they do, you still have to rely primarily on your own strength.