International Relations
What was the outcome of the U.S.-Russia delegation meetings in Riyadh?
Secretary of State Marco Rubio concluded meetings in Riyadh between American and Russian delegations with a productive agreement. Both countries have committed to naming dedicated negotiation teams focused on finding a path to end the war in Ukraine as soon as possible. Washington confirmed this development as a significant step toward potential peace talks, marking an important diplomatic effort to resolve the ongoing conflict through structured bilateral engagement.
Watch clip answer (00:12m)Will Ukraine have a seat at the peace negotiation table to end the war with Russia?
According to the transcript, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy firmly insists that Ukraine must be directly involved in any peace negotiations to end the war with Russia. This stance comes after President Trump spoke with both Zelenskyy and Putin about ending the conflict. When asked if Ukraine would have a seat at the table, Trump responded that negotiations would include Ukraine, Russia, and other involved parties, stating, 'We would have Ukraine, we'd have Russia, and we'll have other people involved, too.' Trump emphasized that there are 'a lot of forks in this game' but concluded that 'the Ukraine war has to end,' suggesting a complex negotiation process with multiple stakeholders.
Watch clip answer (00:26m)What are European leaders demanding regarding Ukraine's involvement in peace negotiations with Russia?
European leaders are insisting that Ukraine must have direct input in any peace negotiations with Russia. Following President Trump's announcement about meeting with Putin potentially in Saudi Arabia without Ukrainian President Zelensky, several European officials voiced concerns about Ukraine being excluded from talks about its own future. The head of the European Union foreign affairs team emphatically stated that "any deal behind our backs won't work," highlighting Europe's position that Ukraine's participation is non-negotiable. European leaders believe that for peace talks to be legitimate and successful, both Europe and Ukraine need to be actively involved in the negotiation process.
Watch clip answer (00:25m)What is Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's stance on peace negotiations with Russia?
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has firmly stated that he will not accept any peace deal with Russia unless Ukraine is directly involved in the negotiations. This position was reinforced following President Trump's conversations with both Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin about ending the war. Zelenskyy's insistence on Ukraine's participation in peace talks highlights his commitment to ensuring his country has a voice in determining its own future amid the ongoing conflict. This stance comes as discussions about potential peace plans evolve among international leaders, with Ukraine's role in the process remaining a critical point of contention.
Watch clip answer (00:14m)What was President Trump's impression of the Russia talks regarding Ukraine?
President Trump expressed that he was 'much more confident' after the Russia talks, describing them as 'very good.' He indicated that Russia appears motivated to make progress, stating simply that 'Russia wants to do something.' This suggests a positive development in negotiations aimed at potentially reaching a ceasefire or resolution to the Ukraine conflict. The President's optimistic assessment implies that the diplomatic discussions may be moving toward meaningful agreements or compromises between the involved parties.
Watch clip answer (00:15m)How does Katty Kay view modern geopolitical actions in relation to colonialism?
Katty Kay draws striking parallels between modern geopolitical actions and colonial practices, particularly in the context of Saudi Arabia and Ukraine. She describes how countries are being 'carved up' with rulers drawn with little consideration for the actual inhabitants, similar to colonial times when borders were arbitrarily created without regard for local populations. Kay emphasizes the corrupting influence of the 'huge amount of money' involved in these international deals, whether in the Gulf or Ukraine, which not only creates opportunities for corruption but undermines our collective moral standards. She questions the inconsistency in how we label certain actors as 'pariahs' for their actions, noting how public amnesia allows for shifting ethical standards in international relations.
Watch clip answer (00:47m)