(18 Feb 2025)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Kyiv, Ukraine – 18 February 2025
1. Wide of Independence Square in Kyiv and war memorial for fallen soldiers
2. Various of war memorial for fallen soldiers
3. Close up of statue on Independence Square
4. SOUNDBITE (Ukrainian) Stenenko Hanna, Kyiv resident:
“It’s unacceptable for Ukraine. I agree with our president. I support his insistence on Ukraine’s presence. Not only does (Ukraine) have to be present, but it also has to dictate its terms, because the aggressor country can’t just show up and dictate its terms. I believe that Trump is on our side and that he wants to end the war. But it has to end with our victory as many people suffered, many people died, unfortunately. It has to be a just peace, which is impossible without Ukraine’s participation, as well as without our voice and our leverage.”
5. Various of Independence Square, people walking and statue of St Michael
6. SOUNDBITE (Ukrainian) Havrysh Kateryna, originally from Kryvyi Rih:
“We are not a bargaining chip. We are the lever that is now fighting for a place for justice in the world. You can’t negotiate without us because I believe that we are fighting a global war at the expense of our people and our resources, because all countries are now involved. We are very grateful to America because now, I think, things have begun to move forward, thanks to Trump. Although he is a very strange person, he evokes very strong feelings. We respect him, of course. And today, I think he’s the one who can negotiate with Putin. But again, our country must have its say, be present, and present its conditions.”
7. Various of central street in Kyiv and people walking
8. SOUNDBITE (Russian) Vadym, soldier in Ukrainian armed forces, former prisoner of war:
“I think it will not work without Ukraine, simply because Ukraine has the most trained armed people. Even though half of them are in the rear, it does not change the situation. Therefore, to talk about us without us, about security in Europe, you need to put at least 400,000 people under bayonets, and then maybe something will happen. In general, Trump is a ‘fun’ guy. He promised us the moon, but we have already seen here the guys who were making promises. Personally, I am from Luhansk and have been witnessing this story for 11 years. I’ve been in captivity and had a chance to speak to them (Russians). What can I say? This won’t work (the negotiations).”
9. Various of Independence Square and sign reading “I love Ukraine”
STORYLINE:
People on the streets of Kyiv on Tuesday were critical of a meeting between top diplomats from Russia and the US, which did not include Ukraine.
The talks in Saudi Arabia, aimed at improving ties and negotiating an end to the war in Ukraine, represented a rapid and major change in American foreign policy under President Donald Trump.
No Ukrainian officials were present at the meeting, which comes as the beleaguered country is slowly but steadily losing ground against more numerous Russian troops in a grinding war that began nearly three years ago.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his country won’t accept any outcome from this week’s talks if Kyiv doesn’t take part.
European allies have also expressed concerns they are being sidelined.
“It’s unacceptable for Ukraine. I agree with our president,” said Kyiv resident Stenenko Hanna.
“I believe that Trump is on our side and that he wants to end the war. But it has to end with our victory,” she added.
It was meant to pave the way for a meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
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