Zelensky Saudi Arabia visit
What is the reaction in Ukraine to U.S.-Russia talks happening without Ukrainian representation?
The feeling in Ukraine is one of extreme anxiety. President Zelensky postponed his visit to Saudi Arabia specifically to avoid bestowing any credibility on talks happening without him, demonstrating Ukraine's concern about being sidelined in negotiations affecting their future. Both Ukrainians and Europeans find themselves in a weak position, as the Europeans lack the military might to push back against Russia without substantial U.S. support. Europe has always relied on Washington's massive military funding, making alignment with the United States crucial for any effective resistance against Russian aggression.
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MSNBC
05:08 - 06:06
How did Ukrainian President Zelensky respond to being excluded from US-Russia talks?
President Zelensky criticized the US-Russia talks for excluding Ukraine, emphasizing that peace efforts must be fair and should include European nations in the negotiation process. He stressed that any meaningful resolution to the war requires Ukraine's participation rather than decisions being made about Ukraine without its involvement. In response to this exclusion, Zelensky postponed his scheduled trip to Saudi Arabia, signaling the seriousness with which he viewed the diplomatic situation. His response came before Trump made statements suggesting potential changes in US-Russia relations, highlighting the growing tensions in the international diplomatic landscape surrounding the Ukraine conflict.
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WION
00:33 - 00:47
Why is President Zelensky upset about the peace talks regarding Ukraine?
President Zelensky has expressed frustration at being excluded from peace discussions aimed at resolving the war in his country. According to the CBS News update, he has clearly stated that he cannot and will not accept any outcome from these talks that doesn't involve him personally. In response to this exclusion, Zelensky has taken the significant step of postponing his scheduled trip to Saudi Arabia, where these discussions were taking place. His position emphasizes Ukraine's insistence on having direct representation in any peace process that will determine the future of their nation.
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CBS News
00:31 - 00:45
What is President Trump's view on the Ukraine war and Zelensky's leadership?
President Trump expressed significant disappointment with the Ukrainian leadership and the ongoing conflict, stating directly that he's "really disappointed in what's happened." He firmly believes the war would never have occurred had he remained in office, suggesting a failure in current diplomatic approaches. The clip captures Trump's critical stance on how the three-year conflict has been handled, particularly as Ukraine was reportedly not included in peace talks in Saudi Arabia. This position aligns with his broader critique of the current administration's foreign policy, particularly regarding military conflicts and international negotiations.
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NBC News
22:19 - 22:36
What is the common factor in how the world responds to controversial actions by countries like Saudi Arabia and the situation in Ukraine?
According to Katty Kay, the commonality in these political situations is 'time and amnesia.' She points out that just six years ago after Jamal Khashoggi was killed in the Saudi consulate in Turkey, there was widespread outcry with Saudi Arabia being condemned as a 'pariah state' by both Republicans and Democrats in Washington, D.C. However, this outrage has faded over time. Similarly with Ukraine, Kay draws a parallel to how memory and time affect international responses. The clip highlights how moral outrage diminishes as economic and political interests take precedence over democratic principles.
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MSNBC
09:50 - 10:39
Why did President Zelenskyy postpone his scheduled visit to Saudi Arabia?
According to Kurt Volker, former US Ambassador to NATO, Zelenskyy postponed his visit to Saudi Arabia to avoid creating the appearance of direct Ukrainian involvement in ongoing US-Russia diplomatic discussions. This decision reflects Ukraine's strategic need to maintain a distinct position and sovereignty in international relations. The postponement comes amid complex diplomatic efforts where Ukraine aims to prevent being perceived as deeply embedded in US diplomatic initiatives. This helps Ukraine preserve its independent standing while navigating the geopolitical pressures surrounding the conflict.
Watch clip answer (00:19m)
Al Jazeera English
03:54 - 04:13