Zelensky
What concerns do European leaders have about potential ceasefire negotiations with Russia?
European leaders are deeply concerned about rushing into a hasty ceasefire deal with Russia. They fear repeating the mistakes of the 2014 Minsk agreement, which ultimately proved disastrous by allowing Russia to buy time before launching a full invasion. Emmanuel Macron specifically warned against this parallel. European nations are divided on whether to deploy peacekeepers, with Britain open to the idea while others remain cautious. There's significant worry that the Trump administration's eagerness for a quick agreement with Putin could lead to an unsustainable peace arrangement that fails to protect Ukraine's long-term security interests.
Watch clip answer (01:45m)What are President Zelensky's concerns about the US-Russia negotiations?
President Zelensky insists that Ukraine must be directly involved in any negotiations about its future, stating he will not agree to anything without Ukraine's presence at the talks. His concerns stem from the apparent direction of discussions, which seem to be leading toward a summit between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin without adequate Ukrainian representation. Zelensky is particularly worried about Russia's maximalist demands requiring Ukraine to make territorial concessions and abandon its NATO ambitions. Despite American assurances of Ukraine's involvement, Zelensky remains concerned that decisions affecting Ukraine's sovereignty could be made without sufficient Ukrainian input.
Watch clip answer (00:46m)What are President Zelensky's travel plans and how do they relate to US-Russia talks?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived in Turkey and plans to travel to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday. According to Zelensky himself, his upcoming trip to Saudi Arabia is unrelated to the ongoing US-Russia diplomatic talks. While global diplomatic efforts continue around the Ukraine conflict, Zelensky's Middle East engagements appear to be separate diplomatic initiatives. His visits to Turkey and Saudi Arabia likely focus on building international support and discussing security guarantees for Ukraine through separate diplomatic channels from those involving US and Russian officials.
Watch clip answer (00:13m)What conditions has Ukrainian President Zelensky set for signing a peace agreement with Russia?
During a recent press conference, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that he would sign an agreement if Ukraine is provided safety and security guarantees. He communicated this position to Trump, indicating his willingness to participate in peace negotiations under specific conditions. While the US has yet to respond to Zelensky's requirements, diplomatic momentum is building. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer plans to visit Washington next week to meet with Trump to discuss elements of a lasting peace, suggesting growing international coordination on resolving the Ukraine conflict.
Watch clip answer (00:41m)How much of Ukraine is currently occupied by Russia after three years of invasion?
Three years after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, Russia now occupies approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory. The occupation started with the full-scale invasion and has resulted in this significant territorial control by Russian forces. This occupation represents a substantial portion of Ukraine's sovereign territory and underscores the severe impact of the ongoing conflict. The territorial occupation has profound implications for Ukrainian civilians, who continue to grapple with loss, displacement, and uncertainty while maintaining hope for eventual peace and territorial integrity.
Watch clip answer (00:07m)Why did President Zelenskyy refuse to allow ministers to sign an investment agreement regarding Ukraine's mineral resources?
President Zelenskyy refused to allow his ministers to sign the agreement because, in his opinion, it was not adequately prepared to protect Ukraine's interests. He emphasized that any investment deals concerning Ukraine's valuable mineral resources must be properly structured from a legal standpoint. Zelenskyy stressed the importance of securing investments in Ukraine, particularly in critical sectors like minerals, but insisted these agreements must be written 'legally, correctly' to safeguard national interests. His caution reflects Ukraine's vulnerable position amid ongoing conflict and global competition for access to the country's significant mineral wealth.
Watch clip answer (00:19m)