Zelensky
What was the outcome of the diplomatic talks between U.S. and Russian officials regarding Ukraine?
Following Saudi-mediated talks, Russian officials declared the negotiations had gone 'pretty well,' though they indicated a Putin-Trump meeting appears unlikely in the near term. The Kremlin emphasized that Putin would determine when further contact on Ukraine would begin, with conditions for future discussions being addressed during the talks. Notably, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was excluded from these discussions despite their potential to determine his nation's fate. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy was in Ankara meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Watch clip answer (00:42m)What are Zelensky's concerns about the U.S.-Russia discussions regarding Ukraine's future?
Zelensky is terrified that a deal will be made between Putin and Trump that could result in Ukraine losing part of its territory. The discussions in Riyadh are particularly concerning as Russia is demanding that the U.S. and NATO withdraw their 2008 commitment to eventually bring Ukraine into NATO. This would eliminate a crucial deterrent against Russian aggression. These exploratory talks are occurring without Ukraine's direct participation, raising questions about whether Zelensky will even have input in the final arrangement that could determine his country's future sovereignty and security.
Watch clip answer (00:45m)Who is Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meeting with while being excluded from US-Russia talks?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara. This diplomatic engagement occurs against the backdrop of American and Russian officials holding unprecedented discussions about Ukraine's future in Riyadh, notably without Zelenskyy's participation. The meeting with Erdogan takes on added significance as concerns mount that bilateral agreements between major powers could potentially sideline Ukraine in decisions about its own future, particularly regarding NATO commitments and overall European security arrangements.
Watch clip answer (00:05m)What is President Zelenskyy's stance on peace talks regarding Ukraine that exclude Ukrainian participation?
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has firmly rejected any outcome from peace talks that do not include Ukraine. As discussions between American and Russian officials took place in Riyadh—marking a significant diplomatic moment since the war began in February 2022—Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine's sovereignty must be respected in any negotiations about its future. This position highlights his insistence that Ukraine must have a seat at the table in determining its own fate. Zelenskyy's rejection demonstrates Ukraine's determination to maintain agency in diplomatic processes, especially as concerns grow about Ukrainian and European voices potentially being sidelined in international negotiations regarding the conflict.
Watch clip answer (00:07m)What was the outcome of the recent US-Russia talks on Ukraine?
The talks resulted in a significant agreement to establish a high-level negotiation team for continued discussions on the Ukraine conflict. According to foreign correspondent Brit Clinic, these were 'the most significant talks since the war began,' with both the US and Russia expressing enthusiasm about the outcome. The parties demonstrated willingness to engage in further discussions, with the creation of a dedicated team to facilitate ongoing negotiations. This development represents a potential diplomatic breakthrough in addressing the protracted conflict, though the absence of Ukraine from these discussions remains a concern.
Watch clip answer (00:11m)What is President Zelensky's stance on US-Russian negotiations about Ukraine?
President Zelensky has expressed strong opposition to yielding to Russia's ultimatums, stating firmly that he never intended to and does not intend to do so in the future. He has voiced significant anger that diplomatic talks concerning Ukraine's future are proceeding between the US and Russia without Ukrainian representation. Zelensky has repeatedly emphasized Ukraine's discontent with being excluded from negotiations that directly impact its sovereignty and territorial integrity. His position reflects Ukraine's insistence on maintaining agency in any peace process, rejecting any solutions imposed by external powers without Ukrainian participation.
Watch clip answer (00:14m)