NATO Membership
Can Ukraine accept a peace deal that is negotiated without their participation?
President Zelensky firmly stated that Ukraine cannot accept any peace deal made without Ukrainian participation, declaring it 'not acceptable.' He emphasized that Ukraine must have a seat at any negotiating table concerning the conflict with Russia. While acknowledging potential scenarios, Zelensky outlined his ideal resolution: Russian withdrawal from Ukrainian territory, Ukraine's admission to NATO, and Putin facing justice. His stance came amid reports of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio initiating peace negotiations in Saudi Arabia, to which Ukraine had apparently not been invited.
Watch clip answer (01:00m)
MSNBC
00:10 - 01:10
What intelligence did President Zelensky share about Russian military movements and what solution did he propose?
At a security conference, President Zelensky revealed intelligence that Russian President Vladimir Putin is amassing more troops on the Belarus border, potentially threatening to invade other NATO countries. This escalation represents a significant security concern for Europe beyond Ukraine. In response, Zelensky called for the creation of a European army to deter Russia, emphasizing that Europe must build its own armed forces and not rely solely on American support. He stressed, "We must build the armed forces of Europe so that Europe's future depends only on Europeans," highlighting the urgency for Europe to take responsibility for its own security in the face of Russian aggression.
Watch clip answer (00:40m)MSNBC
02:29 - 03:10
What is President Zelensky's position on Ukraine's involvement in U.S.-Russia peace talks?
President Zelensky insists that Ukraine must be present in any negotiations between the U.S. and Russia regarding the ongoing conflict. He firmly states that Ukraine will not agree to anything without their direct participation and refuses to engage with Russia until there is a clear plan in place. This stance comes from concerns that America might reach an agreement primarily focused on Russia's interests, potentially forcing Ukraine to make territorial concessions or abandon NATO ambitions. Zelensky's position places Ukraine in a difficult situation if the U.S. proceeds with negotiations that favor Russian demands without adequate Ukrainian input.
Watch clip answer (01:01m)
BBC News
01:36 - 02:38
What does current U.S. support for Ukraine look like and what concerns exist about future security guarantees?
Over the past three years, the U.S. has provided about $50 billion in weapons and equipment to Ukraine, with another $20 billion already committed. However, uncertainty exists about whether all this aid will reach Ukraine in a timely manner as much is spaced out over months or years. A major concern among European allies is about security guarantees for Ukraine, especially after Trump administration officials questioned Ukraine's NATO aspirations. This has created a disconnect where the U.S. simultaneously tells Europe to take more responsibility for its own security while excluding European nations from bilateral discussions with Russia about Ukraine's future.
Watch clip answer (02:47m)
MSNBC
07:58 - 10:45
What security proposal is being discussed for Ukraine at the European meeting?
European leaders are discussing a proposal to provide Ukraine with credible security guarantees, including automatic NATO membership. This significant measure would be triggered in the event of a clear ceasefire breach by Russia. The meeting aims to determine what defense capabilities Europe could provide to ensure Ukraine's long-term security amid the ongoing conflict. This initiative represents a potential pathway for Ukraine to gain formalized protection through NATO's collective defense framework, contingent upon specific conditions related to Russia's actions.
Watch clip answer (00:17m)
WION
02:15 - 02:32
Why are European leaders meeting in Paris regarding Ukraine?
European leaders are meeting in Paris because they are scrambling to secure their involvement in Ukraine's future as U.S. and Russian officials prepare to meet without European participation. French President Emmanuel Macron has convened this summit in a bid to find a path forward amid these diplomatic developments that have excluded European input on Ukraine's situation. The key concern driving this emergency meeting is whether the Paris summit can make Europe relevant again in discussions about Ukraine. As major powers negotiate without them, European leaders are attempting to reassert their influence in shaping security decisions that directly affect their continent.
Watch clip answer (00:25m)WION
00:24 - 00:50