Zelensky
What did Trump claim about ending the war in Ukraine during his presidential campaign, and has it happened?
During the presidential campaign, President Trump claimed he could end the war in Ukraine in just 24 hours. As CBS News correspondent Holly Williams reports, this ambitious promise has not materialized so far. Instead, what we're witnessing is a form of 'high speed diplomacy' as evidenced by the recent talks in Saudi Arabia between US and Russian officials, notably occurring without Ukrainian President Zelensky's participation. This diplomatic approach represents a shift from Trump's campaign rhetoric to a more complex reality of international negotiations.
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CBS News
00:48 - 01:00
What is Ukraine's response to U.S.-Russia peace talks about Ukraine?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has explicitly stated that his government 'will not recognize any agreement about us made without us.' This strong rejection comes as many Ukrainians feel betrayed by being excluded from peace negotiations concerning their own country's future. The tensions have escalated following talks between U.S. and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia, with rumors of a potential summit between Trump and Putin. Ukrainian leadership has taken a firm stance that they must be involved in any negotiations that determine Ukraine's fate, highlighting concerns about whether their security interests would be adequately protected in discussions where they have no representation.
Watch clip answer (00:19m)
CBS News
01:07 - 01:26
What concerns exist about US-Russia talks on Ukraine without Ukrainian representation?
The direct talks between US and Russia regarding Ukraine have raised significant concerns, particularly given President Zelensky's reservations about meetings held without Ukrainian officials present. The primary worry is about the legitimacy of any agreements reached without Ukraine's input in discussions that directly impact their sovereignty and security. Though the direct communication channel between Russia and the US is notable, questions remain about what can realistically be achieved when the nation at the center of the conflict isn't at the negotiating table. This arrangement has fueled fears that discussions might lead to compromises favoring Russia's territorial ambitions without adequately addressing Ukraine's security needs.
Watch clip answer (00:08m)CBS News
01:45 - 01:54
Why were Ukrainians concerned about the US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia?
Ukrainians were concerned because their representatives, including President Volodymyr Zelensky, were completely excluded from the diplomatic discussions about their own country's future. As the news anchor reported, "Noticeably missing from all of this was Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. In fact, no Ukrainian official were present for these talks at all." This absence raises significant questions about the legitimacy of any potential agreements reached during these high-level talks between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The exclusion of Ukrainian officials from negotiations directly affecting their nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity creates understandable anxiety about decisions being made without their input or consent.
Watch clip answer (00:21m)CBS News
00:00 - 00:22
What is President Zelensky's stance on peace negotiations regarding the war in Ukraine?
President Zelensky has taken a firm position that Ukraine will never accept any peace deal negotiated between the US and Russia if Ukraine doesn't have a seat at the negotiating table. Despite top Trump administration officials preparing to meet with Russian leaders in Saudi Arabia to discuss ending the war, Zelensky insists on his country's direct involvement in any peace talks. This stance underscores Ukraine's determination to maintain agency in diplomatic solutions concerning its own future, rejecting any agreements made without Ukrainian participation as unacceptable. The situation highlights tensions between potential US-Russia bilateral negotiations and Ukraine's demand for inclusion in all discussions about the war's resolution.
Watch clip answer (00:17m)
MSNBC
00:00 - 00:18
What's happening in Saudi Arabia regarding talks about the Russia-Ukraine war?
Top US and Russian officials are meeting in Saudi Arabia for discussions about Russia's war with Ukraine. The talks include a working lunch, but notably, Ukrainian officials are not present at these negotiations. Ukrainian President Zelensky has made it clear that Ukraine will not accept the outcome of any negotiations conducted without Kiev's involvement. This indicates significant tension around diplomatic efforts happening without direct Ukrainian participation in the peace process.
Watch clip answer (00:23m)
CBS News
00:00 - 00:23