Trump-Putin Summit
What were the outcomes of the first formal talks between U.S. and Russian officials in Riyadh since the Ukraine war began?
The Riyadh talks, while not establishing a ceasefire date or confirming a Trump-Putin summit, resulted in both sides agreeing to pursue high-level discussions and potential cooperation on geopolitical and economic matters. President Trump expressed increased confidence following these discussions, the first formal meeting between Russian and U.S. officials since the Ukraine conflict began. The agreements suggest a possible significant shift in U.S. policy toward Russia, including readiness to remove Russian sanctions—a move that could surprise European allies. This represents a major diplomatic development in U.S.-Russia relations since the outbreak of the Ukraine war.
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NBC News
00:03 - 00:38
What were the outcomes of the first formal meeting between U.S. and Russian officials since the Ukraine war began?
While the historic talks in Riyadh did not establish a date for a cease-fire or a summit between Presidents Trump and Putin, they marked significant progress in U.S.-Russia relations. Both sides agreed to high-level discussions and cooperation on geopolitical and economic issues, suggesting potential removal of Russian sanctions that could surprise European allies. President Trump emerged from the meeting expressing increased confidence in his Ukraine strategy. He voiced support for deploying European peacekeeping troops to Ukraine, though Russia has explicitly opposed this proposal. The meeting represents the first formal diplomatic engagement between the two powers since the beginning of the Ukraine conflict.
Watch clip answer (00:40m)NBC News
00:09 - 00:50
What is the significance of the US-Russia diplomatic meeting in Riyadh?
The meeting between top US and Russian diplomats in Riyadh represents a pivotal shift in US foreign policy under the Trump administration. This diplomatic engagement marks a deliberate attempt to reverse previous policies that isolated Russia on the global stage. The talks are strategically designed to lay groundwork for a future summit between Presidents Trump and Putin, signaling a potential thaw in US-Russia relations. This diplomatic initiative reflects a significant recalibration of American approach toward Russia, with implications for resolving ongoing tensions and conflicts.
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WION
00:00 - 00:14
What was the purpose of the meeting between US and Russian diplomats in Riyadh?
The meeting between top diplomats of the US and Russia in Riyadh represented a pivotal effort by the Trump administration to reverse previous US policy on isolating Russia. This diplomatic engagement marked a significant shift in approach toward US-Russia relations. The primary objective of these talks was to establish groundwork for a potential meeting between President Trump and President Putin. By opening these channels of communication, the administration aimed to move away from isolation strategies toward more direct diplomatic engagement with Russia.
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WION
00:00 - 00:14
How did Ukrainian troops respond to Trump's claims that Ukraine started the war with Russia?
Ukrainian troops in Kharkiv reacted with shock and disbelief to Trump's claims that Ukraine started the war. When informed of these statements, they looked at Richard Engel incredulously, as if he had misspoken. The soldiers emphatically explained that they had been defending their positions for three years against Russian troops who were invading and attempting to take over their city. Beyond just disputing the specific claim, Ukrainian forces recognized these statements as part of a concerning pattern. They expressed worry that Trump favors Russian President Vladimir Putin, and fear that their country is being 'carved up' with little regard for the wishes and political aspirations of the Ukrainian people.
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MSNBC
05:27 - 06:33
What criticisms are being exchanged between Ukrainian President Zelensky, Russian leaders, and US President Trump?
Ukrainian President Zelensky criticizes the US for helping Russia break out of isolation and accuses President Trump of living in a 'disinformation space.' Zelensky also describes Russian leaders as 'pathological liars who cannot be trusted,' highlighting deep distrust in diplomatic relations. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov praises Trump for blaming the Ukraine conflict on NATO expansion efforts. Lavrov specifically commends Trump as the only Western leader who has openly criticized the Biden administration's attempts to incorporate Ukraine into the NATO military alliance, revealing Russia's favorable view of Trump's position on the conflict.
Watch clip answer (00:39m)
WION
00:15 - 00:54