Zelensky exclusion concerns
Why are Ukrainians unhappy with the US-Russia diplomatic meetings?
Ukrainians are displeased because the United States is rushing to meet with Vladimir Putin without Ukrainian representation at these talks. After three years of US support while fighting to defend their territory (with Russia having taken 20% of their land), Ukrainians want to understand this diplomatic pivot. The absence of Ukrainian participation in peace discussions directly affecting their future is particularly troubling to them, as they continue fighting for their livelihood against Russian aggression while being excluded from negotiations that will determine their fate.
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MSNBC
04:15 - 05:44
What is the potential impact of a summit meeting between President Trump and Vladimir Putin?
Critics view a potential Trump-Putin summit as a diplomatic victory for Putin rather than a constructive step toward peace. Following recent talks in Saudi Arabia, Putin's foreign policy adviser indicated such a meeting is unlikely to happen next week, though it remains expected eventually. For former Soviet states, especially NATO members, such high-level engagement with Putin sends concerning signals about U.S. priorities and commitments to European security, particularly given Russia's actions in Ukraine over the past three years.
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CBS News
04:23 - 05:27
Why was Ukraine not represented at the meeting between U.S. and Russia in Saudi Arabia?
The transcript indicates that Ukrainian officials were notably absent from the high-level meeting between the United States and Russia held in Saudi Arabia. Despite the meeting's focus on ending the war in Ukraine, there were no representatives from Kyiv present at these diplomatic talks. This absence raises significant concerns about the legitimacy and effectiveness of negotiations conducted without Ukrainian participation. The lack of Ukrainian representation is particularly notable given that the primary agenda item was finding a resolution to the ongoing conflict directly affecting their nation.
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CBS News
00:00 - 00:22
What progress is being made in the US-Russia talks regarding ending the war in Ukraine?
Secretary of State Marco Rubio reported that the two sides agreed to appoint high-level teams to work toward ending the war in Ukraine in a way that is 'enduring and acceptable to all sides.' For Russia, simply having this meeting and the recent 90-minute call between President Trump and Vladimir Putin represents progress after years of isolation due to sanctions. However, Ukrainian President Zelensky has expressed concern, stating his government 'will not recognize any agreement about us made without us,' which raises questions about the legitimacy of these negotiations happening without Ukrainian representation at the table.
Watch clip answer (01:25m)CBS News
00:53 - 02:19
How does the White House view the meetings concerning Ukraine peace talks without Ukrainian officials present?
The White House views these meetings as exploratory talks to feel out both sides' positions. Secretary Rubio indicated that no one is being sidelined, despite Ukrainian officials not being at the table for these specific meetings. US officials, including Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, are engaging with Russia to identify potential areas of agreement that could end the war in Ukraine. While President Zelenskyy met with Vice President Vance in Munich last week, these current fast-moving talks are focused on establishing initial communication channels between the US and Russia to fulfill Trump's campaign promise of working toward peace.
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CBS News
05:35 - 06:42
What is the timeframe for ending the war in Ukraine, and would lack of peace by summer be considered a failure?
The Trump administration has made ending the Ukraine war a major focus early in their term, with high-level talks already underway. While specific deadlines weren't explicitly stated in the transcript, there appears to be an implied expectation about potential progress by summer. The urgency is understandable as the conflict enters its third year with significant casualties on both sides. The administration appears to be prioritizing this issue, though the absence of Ukrainian officials from these discussions raises concerns about the inclusiveness of the peace process.
Watch clip answer (00:17m)
CBS News
07:57 - 08:15