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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed skepticism Wednesday regarding the clarity of security guarantees offered by international allies, even as European leaders and U.S. Envoys announced a framework for bolstering Kyiv’s defenses. Speaking to reporters, Zelenskyy stated he had not received a “clear, unequivocal answer” to the question of whether partners would mount a “strong response” to further Russian aggression.
The announcement of key security guarantees earlier this week included a U.S.-led monitoring mechanism and the potential deployment of a European multinational force should a ceasefire be established. However, Zelenskyy indicated that the pledges lacked the definitive commitment he seeks. “I personally remarkably much want to gain a very simple answer: yes, if there is aggression again, all partners will give a strong response to the Russians,” he said. He emphasized the need for guarantees that are “legal ones, backed by parliaments, backed by the United States Congress.”
Simultaneously, diplomatic efforts continued in Paris, with U.S. And Ukrainian envoys engaged in discussions concerning the most contentious issues: the status of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and control of territory in eastern Ukraine. These talks follow a recent escalation in hostilities, including a Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv and other major Ukrainian cities on February 12, which Zelenskyy has characterized as evidence that Moscow is not genuinely pursuing peace. The Air Force reported intercepting 213 targets, but at least nine missiles and 19 drones reached their objectives, damaging infrastructure and injuring civilians.
The strikes targeted Ukraine’s energy sector, leaving over 107,000 Kyiv residents without power, according to DTEK, the country’s largest private energy firm. Damage to residential buildings was reported in several districts of Kyiv, with debris from intercepted targets falling in 14 locations.
These developments occur against a backdrop of shifting geopolitical dynamics. Donald Trump, the former U.S. President, has reportedly urged Zelenskyy to seek a peace deal, with Zelenskyy acknowledging feeling “a little bit” of pressure from Trump. According to Zelenskyy, the U.S. Side has proposed 15-year security guarantees, but Ukraine is seeking a commitment of two decades or more. Zelenskyy also stated that discussions with the U.S. Frequently focus on concessions from Ukraine, rather than Russia. He suggested that a significant achievement for Trump would be to broker an end to the war, potentially bolstering his legacy.
The Munich Security Conference, where Zelenskyy voiced his concerns, also saw Britain blame the Kremlin for the death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, alleging the use of a poison developed from dart frog toxin. The Kremlin has consistently denied involvement in Navalny’s death. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Zelenskyy at the conference to discuss security and defense partnerships.
As of Wednesday, the outcome of the Paris talks remained uncertain, and the question of concrete security assurances for Ukraine remained unresolved.
