Zelensky
What was Ukrainian President Zelensky's reaction to the U.S.-Russia talks about Ukraine?
President Zelensky had a stark reaction to the talks between the U.S. and Russia, canceling his trip to Saudi Arabia in apparent protest. These discussions appeared focused on improving American-Russian relations, with a potential peace deal for Ukraine being only part of a wider agreement rather than the central focus. Zelensky's response reflects Ukraine's growing sense of isolation and frustration over being sidelined in negotiations about their own country's future. The Ukrainian leadership feels little progress has been made to their benefit, highlighting their increasing isolation on the international stage as decisions about the conflict are being discussed without their direct involvement.
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CNN
02:16 - 02:40
How did President Zelensky react to being excluded from the U.S.-Russia talks about Ukraine?
President Volodymyr Zelensky reacted strongly to his exclusion from the high-level talks between the U.S. and Russia concerning Ukraine. He canceled his planned trip to Saudi Arabia, postponing it until March 10th - a significant diplomatic statement. Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine wants a fair end to the war with 'nothing that anyone decides behind our backs.' He expressed disappointment about not being invited to the meeting between Russian and American officials, clearly conveying his frustration about being sidelined in discussions directly affecting Ukraine's future.
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CNN
00:37 - 01:40
What is the purpose of the meeting between the US and Russia?
The purpose of the meeting is to reestablish communication channels between the US and Russia after three and a half years without regularized contact. According to Secretary Rubio, this meeting aims to follow up on a phone call the president had a week prior and begin establishing those lines of communication between the participants in the Ukraine conflict. Rubio emphasized this is just "the first step of a long and difficult journey," highlighting the significance of reopening diplomatic channels amid ongoing tensions. The meeting reflects efforts to normalize communication rather than immediately resolving the conflict, though some speculation existed about it potentially leading to a summit between Presidents Putin and Trump.
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CNN
04:35 - 05:09
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 significance of the recent talks between US officials and the Kremlin?
The talks represent a tectonic shift in international relations, marking the first formal discussions between US senior officials and their Kremlin counterparts since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This breaks the previously united Western front that had been isolating Russia. While this slowed the pace of diplomatic developments, including causing President Zelensky to postpone his trip to Riyadh, it doesn't indicate an imminent summit between Presidents Trump and Putin. Rather, it signals a fundamental change in approach toward Russia, requiring more preparation and negotiation before any high-level meetings can occur.
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MSNBC
00:00 - 01:16
What are the key developments in U.S.-Russia-Ukraine diplomatic efforts following the Saudi Arabia meeting?
Following diplomatic meetings in Saudi Arabia, two high-level working groups are being established, and President Zelensky plans to visit Saudi Arabia in March. President Trump's envoy for Russia and Ukraine, General Keith Kellogg, announced plans to spend three days in Ukraine this week and to make multiple return visits to brief President Trump directly on Ukraine's perspective. This diplomatic pause may provide Europeans an opportunity to exert influence in the peace process. However, a significant caveat remains - President Trump, who ultimately determines U.S. foreign policy, has yet to personally weigh in on these developments, leaving the final direction of U.S. policy toward Ukraine uncertain.
Watch clip answer (00:47m)
MSNBC
03:26 - 04:14