AP Interview: Zelenskyy says excluding Ukraine from US-Russia talks about war is ‘very dangerous’
Associated PressJAN 23
Trump Says Russia-Ukraine Discussions 'Going Pretty Well'
Above: US Pres. Donald Trump speaks to the press upon arrival at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Feb. 2, 2025, as he returns to the White House from Florida. Image copyright: Jim Watson/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Ukraine narrative
Ukraine has held general talks with the US about what a peace deal might look like. However, in-person talks need to be held so that Ukraine's positions can be properly accounted for, including the need for adequate security guarantees so that Russia cannot later invade again.
Pro-Russia narrative
While Russia remains open to peace talks, Ukraine's participation is uncertain as Zelenskyy has made it illegal for negotiations to be conducted with Putin. Ukraine will have to clear this obstacle before progress on other issues can be made.