International Relations
What is the current sentiment in Ukraine regarding ongoing negotiations and the war situation?
There is a profound sense of disappointment among Ukrainians who have endured three years of horrible atrocities while seeing little progress. Despite ongoing peace negotiations, the bombings haven't stopped, with Kyiv being hit by ballistic missiles just a week prior, underscoring that the war continues unabated. Adding to this frustration is the perception that international politics, particularly the new administration, appears to be favoring Russia's position. This has created a climate of disillusionment where Ukrainians feel they're still suffering severe consequences of war while diplomatic efforts seem to benefit their aggressor rather than supporting Ukraine's sovereignty.
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MSNBC
00:39 - 01:01
What motivates Ukrainians to continue fighting after three years of conflict?
According to Igor Novikov, former adviser to Ukrainian President Zelensky, the Ukrainian determination is driven by the stark reality that this conflict represents a fundamental choice between life and death for the Ukrainian people. Despite three years of war, Ukrainians refuse to surrender, with Novikov emphasizing the simplicity of their resolve. He believes sufficient time has passed for the world to recognize that Ukrainians will not give up, regardless of the challenges they face. This unyielding determination stems from an existential understanding of what's at stake for their nation and people's survival.
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MSNBC
04:51 - 04:58
Does Igor Novikov trust President Trump as a reliable ally for Ukraine?
According to Igor Novikov, his trust in President Trump 'remains to be seen' as Trump has only just assumed office. Novikov acknowledges that Trump, being a businessman, will likely take a completely different approach from what Ukraine has experienced over the past three years. Novikov emphasizes a pragmatic view of the conflict, noting that wars cannot be won without weapons, while peace negotiations cannot begin without conversation. This suggests Novikov is cautiously evaluating Trump's potential as an ally, recognizing a shift in approach but withholding judgment until Trump's actions become clearer.
Watch clip answer (00:29m)MSNBC
01:48 - 02:17
Why does Vladimir Zelensky want to continue the war in Ukraine according to Dr. Sergei Markov?
According to Dr. Sergei Markov, former Putin adviser, Vladimir Zelensky is a "maniac of the war" who deliberately tries to prolong the conflict as much as possible. This is driven by political self-preservation rather than national interest. Markov asserts that if Zelensky were to end the war, he would immediately lose his political power. This suggests that Zelensky's motivation for continuing the conflict is primarily to maintain his position as president, implying that peace would lead to his political downfall.
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WION
07:21 - 07:32
How has diplomacy changed between Russia and the United States under recent administrations?
Under the previous administration, diplomatic relations between Russia and the United States had been frozen, effectively preventing meaningful dialogue between the two nations. However, according to Dr. Sergei Markov, a former Putin adviser, there has been a significant change, with doors now opening for diplomacy. This diplomatic thaw is particularly crucial because, as Dr. Markov emphasizes, 'it's impossible to move from the war to the peace without diplomacy.' This statement underscores the essential role that diplomatic channels play in conflict resolution, particularly regarding ongoing tensions between the two global powers and their involvement in regional conflicts like Ukraine.
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WION
05:17 - 05:48
What was agreed upon during the Russia-US talks mediated by Saudi Arabia?
Following Saudi-mediated negotiations that Russian officials declared went well, Foreign Minister Lavrov announced that Russia and the US agreed to establish a process for settling the Ukraine conflict. The agreement includes removing barriers for diplomatic missions, suggesting steps toward normalizing diplomatic relations. While the talks were deemed successful, the Kremlin indicated that a Putin-Trump meeting appears unlikely in the near term, though conditions for such a meeting have been discussed. This suggests the dialogue opened channels for continued diplomatic engagement while addressing immediate concerns regarding Ukraine.
Watch clip answer (00:23m)
WION
02:06 - 02:30