Zelensky
How did President Zelensky respond to Russia's attacks on Odessa?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky strongly condemned Russia's attacks on Odessa through social media, particularly as these strikes left tens of thousands without power during winter conditions. He directly challenged Russia's claims that they were targeting military sites, instead asserting that the attacks deliberately targeted civilians and critical infrastructure. In his forceful statement, Zelensky declared, "Never forget that Russia is ruled by pathological liars," highlighting his view that Russian justifications for the attacks cannot be trusted. His response came in the wake of US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, as he called for unified international action against Russian aggression.
Watch clip answer (00:08m)Who is Keith Kellogg and what is he doing in Ukraine?
Keith Kellogg is Donald Trump's Special adviser on Russia and Ukraine who has recently visited Ukraine and met with President Zelensky. His visit comes at a critical time following drone attacks on Odessa that left many residents without power. During his visit, Kellogg stated that they are working to develop a "workable solution" to end the Russia-Ukraine war. This diplomatic engagement occurs amid renewed U.S.-Russia talks that have reportedly sidelined Ukraine, causing frustration among Ukrainian leadership.
Watch clip answer (00:18m)What happened in Odessa following the US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia?
Following landmark US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, Russia launched multiple drone strikes on Odessa, Ukraine, targeting residential areas and causing significant damage. The attack left 160,000 residents without heat and electricity during freezing temperatures. Nearly 500 houses were damaged, along with 14 schools, a children's clinic, and several hospitals. Four people were reportedly injured, one seriously. President Zelensky condemned Russia's claims that they only targeted military installations, as the evidence clearly showed civilian infrastructure was hit. The attack's timing directly after peace talks raises questions about Russia's sincerity in negotiations.
Watch clip answer (01:02m)What is Ukrainian President Zelensky's critique of U.S. foreign policy regarding Russia?
President Zelensky criticizes the United States for inadvertently helping Russia break out of international isolation. He characterizes Russian leaders as 'pathological liars' who cannot be trusted, highlighting the fundamental issues with engaging with the Putin regime. Zelensky's critique emerges amid complex NATO-Ukraine relations, where Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov praised Donald Trump for blaming the Ukraine conflict on efforts to admit Kyiv into NATO. Zelensky points out that Trump stands alone among Western leaders in openly criticizing the Biden administration's approach to Ukraine's NATO membership, revealing the geopolitical tensions surrounding Ukraine's security assurances.
Watch clip answer (00:39m)What are the key concerns about the recent US-Russia negotiations regarding Ukraine?
The US and Russia have agreed to four broad principles outlining negotiations and a path forward, with talks taking place in Saudi Arabia. While many agree Russia needs to be at the table as the aggressor in the war, significant concerns have emerged about representation in these discussions. Notably, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated he wasn't invited to these talks, raising questions about Ukraine's role in negotiations that directly impact its future. The absence of Ukraine and European representation at these discussions has become a critical issue, as decisions are being made about the war without input from the country most affected by the conflict.
Watch clip answer (00:33m)What controversial statements did President Trump make about Ukrainian President Zelensky regarding the war with Russia?
President Trump made controversial remarks at Mar-a-Lago suggesting that Ukrainian President Zelensky should have already ended the war with Russia, despite Russia being the unprovoked aggressor in the conflict. Trump's statements contained significant inaccuracies about Zelensky's approval rating, according to Nancy Cordes' analysis. These comments have raised serious concerns about future U.S.-Russia relations and the potential approach to negotiations if Trump returns to office. The remarks stood out 'dramatically' during the press conference, highlighting potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy regarding the ongoing Ukrainian conflict.
Watch clip answer (00:27m)