Ukraine Conflict
How are Russians reacting to the US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia?
The Russians are delighted by the US-Russia talks, believing they've already scored a diplomatic victory. They view the fact that senior US officials met with Russian officials during the ongoing Ukraine war as proof that Western isolation attempts have failed. According to Steve Rosenberg, Russian state media portrays this as evidence that Russia has successfully returned to the global stage with its leadership legitimized. This perception of diplomatic success is being celebrated on Russian political talk shows, where guests are expressing satisfaction with how the meetings have progressed.
Watch clip answer (00:32m)
BBC News
09:05 - 09:37
What does President Zelensky believe is critical for any negotiations to end the war in Ukraine?
President Zelensky firmly believes that transparency and inclusion are essential for any negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. During his visit to Turkey (after canceling a trip to Saudi Arabia), he emphasized that peace talks should not occur 'behind the backs' of those most affected. Zelensky specifically stated that for Ukraine, their region, and Europe, it is critical that negotiations involve all stakeholders directly. His concern appears to be that diplomatic discussions between major powers like the U.S. and Russia might proceed without adequate Ukrainian participation, potentially undermining Ukraine's interests in any peace settlement.
Watch clip answer (00:17m)
BBC News
06:10 - 06:28
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
What is Trump's perspective on the Ukraine-Russia conflict and his ability to resolve it?
According to the clip, Trump claims he could have prevented or resolved the Ukraine-Russia conflict if he had been in office. Speaking from Mar-a-Lago, he appeared to blame Ukraine for not making a deal with Russia prior to the invasion, suggesting there were missed opportunities for diplomatic resolution. Trump's statement implies he believes he would have been able to force a deal between the parties, positioning himself as someone with the diplomatic leverage to end the war. This perspective comes amid recent talks between U.S. and Russian diplomats in Saudi Arabia that reportedly excluded Ukrainian representatives.
Watch clip answer (00:14m)BBC News
00:45 - 01:00
What has Trump claimed about the Ukraine war and his ability to prevent it?
Trump has repeatedly claimed he could resolve the Ukraine war, suggesting that Vladimir Putin would not have invaded Ukraine if he had still been president. The former president has implied that he possesses unique negotiation abilities that would have deterred Putin from taking military action against Ukraine in the first place. This represents part of Trump's broader narrative that he has special diplomatic capabilities that other leaders lack when dealing with international conflicts.
Watch clip answer (00:08m)BBC News
00:36 - 00:44
Why did European leaders hold an emergency summit in Paris?
European leaders convened an emergency summit in Paris yesterday to discuss Ukraine and European security concerns. The urgent meeting was prompted by growing unease regarding President Trump's plans to resolve the war in Ukraine. The summit highlights the apprehension felt by European nations about potential negotiations that might occur without adequate Ukrainian representation. This emergency gathering underscores Europe's commitment to maintaining a unified approach to the ongoing conflict and ensuring their security interests aren't compromised in any future peace negotiations.
Watch clip answer (00:12m)
BBC News
03:17 - 03:29