Trump-Putin Summit
What controversial views did Donald Trump express about Crimea and the Russia-Ukraine conflict?
In the clip, former President Trump echoed Russian narratives, claiming that Crimeans would rather be with Russia than Ukraine. He also appeared to accept Putin's denial of Russia's involvement in the conflict, stating, "President Putin, he just said, it's not Russia. I will say this. I don't see any reason why it would be." Trump further advocated for Russia's inclusion in international forums, criticizing others by saying, "All you talk about is Russia, and they should be sitting at the table" and suggesting Putin should be brought back into the G8. These statements came shortly after US diplomatic negotiations with Russia, drawing criticism for aligning with Kremlin talking points during a sensitive geopolitical crisis.
Watch clip answer (00:41m)
CNN
00:00 - 00:42
Why is Trump reluctant to discuss his communications with Vladimir Putin?
Trump displays palpable fear and constraint when questioned about his communications with Putin. When repeatedly asked about whether he had spoken to the Russian leader, Trump consistently evades with phrases like "I don't want to say that" or "I can't tell you what I'm talking about." This unusual reticence contrasts with his typical communication style. The commentator notes this peculiar behavior occurs amid changing U.S. foreign policy positions that appear to favor Russia over traditional Western allies. Trump's evasiveness raises significant concerns about transparency in his relationship with Putin and questions about who might be influencing his ability to discuss these communications freely.
Watch clip answer (02:46m)
MSNBC
21:44 - 24:30
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)
CBS News
00:08 - 00:34
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)CBS News
02:04 - 02:29
How has Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky responded to Donald Trump's claims about the Ukraine war?
Zelensky strongly rejects Trump's assertion that Ukraine could have negotiated its position earlier or should have traded land to avoid conflict. He emphasizes that Russia was the aggressor, launching a full-scale invasion after eight years of previous aggression that spread fear and anxiety across Ukraine. Zelensky appears visibly irritated by such suggestions and dismisses the claim that Russia is ready for peace. The Ukrainian president insists that his country cannot defend itself without weapons and American support. He argues that negotiations about European and Ukrainian security cannot occur without Ukraine's involvement. Zelensky also refutes Trump's implied criticism about postponed elections, noting that elections have been legally postponed under martial law as enshrined in Ukraine's constitution.
Watch clip answer (02:27m)
BBC News
07:07 - 09:35
What is President Trump claiming about his ability to end the war in Ukraine?
President Trump has asserted that he possesses the unique power to end the ongoing war in Ukraine. Following talks between Russian and American diplomats in Saudi Arabia, Trump stated that if he had been in office three years ago, the conflict would never have begun, suggesting his negotiation skills could have prevented the invasion. Trump criticized Ukraine for failing to reach a deal with Russia before the conflict escalated. The context of his claims is notable as recent diplomatic discussions in Riyadh occurred without Ukrainian representatives present, raising concerns in Ukraine and across Europe about the negotiation process and potential undermining of Ukrainian interests.
Watch clip answer (00:13m)
BBC News
00:00 - 00:13