Zelensky
What is Ukrainian President Zelensky's response to Donald Trump's claims about Ukraine starting the war?
President Zelensky expressed respect for Trump as a leader but stated that Trump is living in a "disinformation space" regarding the Ukraine conflict. Zelensky implicitly rejected Trump's assertion that Ukraine started the war, a claim that has drawn bipartisan criticism in the United States. Political commentators noted it was "shocking" that a potential U.S. leader would not understand "the most fundamental elements of how this crisis came to be." The clip highlights the concern that Trump's pro-Russian rhetoric misrepresents Ukraine's position as a victim rather than instigator of the conflict.
Watch clip answer (00:40m)
CNN
01:30 - 02:10
How is the Ukraine peace plan being received initially?
The initial rollout of the Ukraine peace plan is causing some fear in Europe. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has firmly stated that Ukraine will not accept a peace deal without direct involvement in negotiations, creating tension following President Trump's discussions with both Zelenskyy and Putin. Despite these concerns, the peace plan is still described as a work in progress. Key figures like Secretary Hegseth have expressed skepticism about NATO membership for Ukraine and recovering pre-2014 borders, while emphasizing that input from European leaders and Ukraine itself is essential for success.
Watch clip answer (00:09m)
CBS News
02:29 - 02:38
How are European leaders reacting to President Trump speaking with Putin?
European leaders are expressing alarm over President Trump's call with Putin, primarily because it remains unclear whether Ukraine will have equal representation in peace negotiations regarding its own future. CBS News Pentagon reporter Eleanor Watson notes that this uncertainty is causing more concern than Secretary Hegseth's statements. The core issue troubling European leaders is the potential exclusion of Ukraine from having a direct seat at the negotiation table, which would prevent the nation from participating in decisions about its territorial sovereignty and post-war arrangements.
Watch clip answer (00:16m)CBS News
01:47 - 02:03
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
What is Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's stance on peace negotiations with Russia?
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has firmly stated that he will not accept any peace deal with Russia unless Ukraine is directly involved in the negotiations. This position was reinforced following President Trump's conversations with both Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin about ending the war. Zelenskyy's insistence on Ukraine's participation in peace talks highlights his commitment to ensuring his country has a voice in determining its own future amid the ongoing conflict. This stance comes as discussions about potential peace plans evolve among international leaders, with Ukraine's role in the process remaining a critical point of contention.
Watch clip answer (00:14m)CBS News
00:00 - 00:14
How has JD Vance's position on U.S. support for Ukraine evolved since becoming Vice President?
JD Vance has undergone a significant shift in his stance on Ukraine. Before becoming a senator, Vance openly questioned why the U.S. should provide any financial support to Ukraine or have any vested interest in Ukrainian affairs. However, three years later, as Vice President alongside Donald Trump, Vance now publicly questions whether President Zelenskyy is capable of leading Ukraine and whether U.S. involvement there remains a worthy investment. This evolution reflects a consistent skepticism about U.S. aid to Ukraine, but from a position of much greater influence in the current administration, potentially signaling a shift in American foreign policy priorities.
Watch clip answer (00:25m)
NBC News
50:13 - 50:39