On-point: Why would U.S., Russia normalize ties all of a sudden?

Washington and Moscow appear to be getting closer on the back of their Ukraine war peacemaking negotiations.

Will their renewed ties mean the end of the war?

Let's turn to Professor Mason Richey.

Thanks for coming onto our program.

1. How did the U.S. and Russia agree to normalize their ties all of a sudden?

Or is this not an 'of all a sudden' development?

Are they using the Ukraine crisis as leverage?

2. Russian President Vladimir Putin appears to be quite satisfied with the latest peace talks between Washington and Moscow.

What do you think satisfied him about the negotiations?

Trump pleasing Putin?

3. Why do you think the U.S. and Russia decided to have the first peace talks alone?

Why not invite Ukraine or other European nations?

Will Russia make sure Ukraine doesn't get left out of peace talks?

4. Trump attacked Zelenskyy by calling him a "dictator" after Zelenskyy accused Trump of repeating Russian disinformation.

Is Trump attacking Zelenskyy only because Zelenskky used harsh words?

Or does Trump have something else in mind?

5. How likely is it that Trump and Putin will meet this month?

If they do meet, will plans to end the Ukraine war be expedited?

Thank you so much for connecting with us this morning.

We appreciate it.