Zelensky
What do we know about the US-Russia talks and the Ukrainian delegation's postponement of its trip to Riyadh?
The US-Russia talks represent the first formal discussions between senior US officials and Kremlin counterparts since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, marking a significant diplomatic shift. This meeting has slowed the pace of other diplomatic efforts, evidenced by President Zelensky postponing his delegation's trip to Riyadh. While immediate high-level summits between President Trump and Putin aren't imminent, these talks indicate a notable change from the previously united Western front that had been isolating Russia. This represents a tectonic shift in international relations, requiring more preparation and negotiation before potential leadership meetings occur.
Watch clip answer (01:15m)
MSNBC
00:00 - 01:16
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
Why is President Zelensky furious about the talks in Saudi Arabia?
President Volodymyr Zelensky is furious about being excluded from crucial negotiations between US and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine. He has canceled his scheduled trip to Saudi Arabia in protest of these talks being held without Ukrainian participation. Zelensky is particularly upset because these negotiations directly concern the conflict in his country, yet Ukraine has been left out of the discussion process. He believes that meaningful solutions to the war cannot be achieved without Ukraine's direct involvement in peace talks, highlighting the problematic nature of major powers discussing Ukraine's future without its representation.
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WION
00:07 - 00:29
What role is Turkey offering to play in resolving the Ukraine-Russia conflict?
Turkey, through President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has expressed willingness to host peace talks in Ankara aimed at resolving the Ukraine-Russia conflict. During a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Ankara, Erdogan positioned Turkey as an ideal mediator and venue for negotiations. This offer comes at a critical time when Zelensky has voiced frustration over being excluded from U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia. Turkey's geographical position between Europe and Asia, along with its diplomatic relationships with both Ukraine and Russia, makes it strategically positioned to facilitate meaningful peace negotiations in this nearly three-year conflict.
Watch clip answer (00:15m)WION
01:48 - 02:04
What is President Zelensky's stance on Ukraine's involvement in peace negotiations?
President Zelensky firmly believes that there cannot be any solutions or peace deals if Ukraine is not included in negotiations. He has expressed frustration over Ukraine's exclusion from talks between U.S. and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia, even canceling his planned trip in protest. Zelensky also emphasized Turkey's role as part of Europe and its significance as a potential mediator in resolving the conflict. This aligns with Turkish President Erdogan's offer of Turkey as an ideal venue for future peace talks that would include all key stakeholders, particularly Ukraine itself.
Watch clip answer (00:19m)WION
01:28 - 01:47
What is Zelensky's criticism regarding NATO membership and how does it relate to Russia?
President Zelensky expresses frustration over what he perceives as a lack of desire from the United States and several European countries to provide Ukraine with NATO membership. He believes this reluctance aligns with Russia's interests, suggesting that Western powers are inadvertently accommodating Russian objectives by withholding NATO membership assurances. Zelensky also emphasizes Turkey's role as a European nation that should be involved in discussions about ending the war, indicating his desire for broader regional involvement in peace negotiations. This criticism comes amid his wider concerns about being excluded from crucial peace talks between US and Russian officials.
Watch clip answer (00:17m)
WION
00:30 - 00:47