Zelensky on security guarantees: Ukraine must still rely on itself

Even if Ukraine's partners in the Coalition of the Willing provide balanced, legally binding security guarantees, Ukraine must primarily rely on its own strength in the event of a renewed Russian attack.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said this while answering journalists' questions about specific scenarios for partners' actions in the event of a new Russian offensive, Ukrinform reports.

"I asked our partners exactly this question, and so far I have not received a clear and definite answer. I see, as they say, the political will that partners are ready to give us strong security guarantees. But until we have such security guarantees that are legal, supported by parliaments, supported by the US Congress, this question cannot be answered. And even if they exist, we still must rely primarily on our own strength, on our Armed Forces," Zelensky said.

He emphasized that the most important security guarantee is a capable, fully manned army of 800,000 personnel.

"Everything we need is spelled out. And this is not only a desire, it is also our vision. It is important that our military has discussed all of this, it is important that we are working to ensure there is financing for it. And the EUR 90 billion, by the way, a decision that was made this year, will also help us," Zelenskyy said.

As Ukrinform reported, on January 6 a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing was held in Paris at the level of state leaders and key international institutions, during which participants discussed the parameters of security guarantees, Ukraine's role in the architecture of future peace, and partners' contributions to deterring renewed aggression.

Following the meeting, the leaders of the Coalition of the Willing, Ukraine, and the United States signed a statement titled "Robust Security Guarantees for a Solid and Lasting Peace in Ukraine."