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Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister: United States-Ukraine Mineral Deal "In Final Stages"; Greater Uncertainty Over Ukraine's Future As Trump Pivots Toward Putin; European Leaders Visit Kyiv On Wars Third Anniversary. Aired 10-11a ET
Aired February 24, 2025 - 10:00:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[10:00:32]
ELENI GIOKOS, CNN INTERNATIONAL ANCHOR: Welcome to our second hour of CONNECT THE WORLD. I'm Eleni Giokos, coming to you live from Abu Dhabi.
After three years of war, questions mount about Ukraine's future and the security of an entire continent. We are live in Kyiv to consider the
options for peace.
Plus, the likely next chancellor of Germany, says Europe needs to establish independence from the United States, as the far-right sees a surge in
support.
And Pope Francis in critical condition. We'll have the latest Vatican update on the new health issue facing the pontiff.
A U.S.-Ukraine mineral deal now in its final stages. That assessment today, coming from a Ukrainian deputy prime minister as her country marks the
third anniversary of its war with Russia.
The potential deal to obtain those rare earth minerals is viewed as part of a wider negotiation to end the war. Ukraine's president is voicing hope for
peace as he hosts leaders from Europe and Canada, who traveled to Kyiv in a show of solidarity.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also says he'd resign if that brings Ukraine peace or membership into NATO.
The U.S. National Security advisor, says NATO membership for Ukraine is a non-starter.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MICHAEL WALTZ, UNITED STATES NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR: That is not back on the table. I do not see the United States having Ukraine enter into NATO,
and then, having United States troops essentially obligated immediately in terms of Article Five or coming to have U.S. troops coming directly in for
the defense of Ukraine. That is very different. I want to be clear on that.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
GIOKOS: President Zelenskyy is praising the absolute heroism of his nation. Here is the video tribute he posted to mark the third anniversary of the
full-scale invasion.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY, PRESIDENT OF UKRAINE (text): Three years of gratitude. Three years of support. Three years of unity. Three years of assistance.
Thank you for these three years of us standing together in defense of our state and our people. Thank you for every battle, Ukraine has won. Thank
you for every position that we, all Ukrainians, have secured. Thank you for your contribution to our shared future. Thank you for our warriors for
their bravery, you are the best in the world.
Three years of full-scale war is a very long time, but the Ukrainian people have defended their right to independence and to a state of their own.
Thank you all for your support!
(END VIDEO CLIP)
GIOKOS: All right. We've got Nick Paton Walsh, he is with us from Kyiv this hour.
Kyiv, of course, Kyiv --
NICK PATON WALSH, CNN CHIEF INTERNATIONAL SECURITY CORRESPONDENT: -- the Americans and essentially here in Kyiv, they're waiting for their response.
Now, that particular draft does, I think it's fair to say, from what we understand from this source to take a lot of the thornier issues, remove
some potentially and leave others for later discussion.
We understand that it's being presented as a framework for Ukrainian reconstruction. That's clearly a very positive spin in terms of what we
understand the Trump administration insist on there. And this source says that some of the most uncomfortable elements that Ukraine was being asked
to sign up to have been taken out.
Now, Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, currently giving a press conference just off to my right here, rail really against the half-
trillion-dollar some that seem to have been in initial deals presented by Trump officials, not something at all that they could sign up to. That
appears, perhaps, to have been removed from this finalized version.
What is also not in there, and what our source says the Americans resisted, was the inclusion of security guarantees. Now, ultimately, that's key to
Ukraine, because they don't want to sign up to a deal, which means they owe their mineral resources, their natural resources, for potentially decades,
to the United States, without from that getting some kind of guarantee of their security, or even of continued U.S. military aid.
[10:05:13]
Now, we understand that the notion of security guarantees is something which this source says may be the subject of discussions between Presidents
Trump and Zelenskyy themselves. There is not a scheduled meeting. I think it's been a long-held ambition here in Kyiv that the White House had and
their president here would get together.
But as we know, the last week has seen that relationship really in free fall, with a series of falsehoods leveled against the Ukrainian president
by Trump and some of those have been responded to by Zelenskyy, suggesting that Trump was, at times in a disinformation circle.
So, that relationship really key, it seems, to the continued security guarantees, even if this document, which, as I say, seems to take a lot of
the harder questions and put them up for further discussion in separate documents down the line, even if this finalized draft indeed get some kind
of agreement from Washington.
But I asked President Zelenskyy about the nature of his relationship with Donald Trump and whether indeed that could be fixed at some point. Here is
what he said.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WALSH: Do you think you can mend your relationship with President Trump? And secondly, have the American side spelled out to you, what happens if
you don't come to an agreement over this rare earth minerals deal, in terms of what it means for U.S. aid.
ZELENSKYY: As I said, we want successful agreement, and if we will understand each other with partners, I hope that it will be. We will sign
this -- the first agreement.
My relationship with President Trump, it's never was in such best way.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WALSH: Now key, of course, to this future U.S.-Ukraine relationship is that kind of sense of healing, awkward laughter, they are really showing how
frustrated. Surely, many in Kyiv must be that that is overshadowing their urgent needs for clarity about U.S. support.
Over here, we have 13 world leaders who have come in. Justin Trudeau of Canada, the head of the European Union, here to show physically support.
Some taking days-long train journey to get here. Many others joining virtually during the day.
Zelenskyy, just now in a press conference, saying how they would never forget the surnames, the names of the Russian soldiers who visited, what
they say is war crimes, horrific harm against Ukrainian civilians.
A show of remarkable solidarity here, through billions of dollars of support pledged. The United Kingdom, saying that they -- was ready to put
troops on the ground here as peacekeepers in the event of a cease fire or a peace plan or the correct conditions, provided the U.S. gave a backstop of
logistical support.
But what is missing from that room is a senior Trump administration official. I'm sure the White House would say that they have sent a series
of high-profile individuals here over the past two weeks, but I think it's fair to say, the absence of them in the Biden administration, they would be
so key to the public show of unity here.
The fact they not here, is the backdrop and the disruption to what would normally be, sadly now, on the third anniversary, a show of solidarity.
Eleni?
GIOKOS: All right. Nick Paton Welsh for us in Kyiv. Thank you.
And today in Washington, the French president hopes he can convince Donald Trump that Europe should have a say in any deal to end the war.
Emmanuel Macron has said he'll warn Mr. Trump not to be weak in dealing with Russian President Vladimir Putin. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer,
also heading to Washington to meet with the U.S. president this week.
Ihor Brusylo is the deputy head of the Ukrainian president's office, and he joins us now from Kyiv for more insights.
Great to have you with us, of course, marking three years since Russia invaded Ukraine. You're dealing with what it has meant for you for the last
three years, but also this new world -- war on words -- President Donald Trump.
A lot of talk about this mineral, a critical -- deal. Could you break that down for us, help us understand -- in its final stages.
IHOR BRUSYLO, DEPUTY HEAD, OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT OF UKRAINE: Yes, good morning. Good morning, everyone. Thank you so much for having me today here
on CNN.
Yes, indeed. A lot of engagements, a lot of events to get today in Kyiv, with leaders coming from different countries, 13, as you rightly mentioned,
the number of the leaders who are today in Kyiv, together with the prime minister of Canada, and prime minister of Spain, presidents of the European
Council and the European Commission, and leaders of the Baltic and. Nordic, European countries.
[10:10:02]
They all have come to mark the third anniversary on this brutal invading -- of this full-scale war that Russia have unleashed against Ukraine.
And today, also, the G7 leaders can win for a special session to discuss the situation, how to move forward. And what I can say is that the
president is receiving the leaders who show their solidarity in support of the Ukrainian people, of our nation, of our country. And they keep going.
We keep moving. And we will go to the very end in this -- in this process, in this war, to see the peaceful -- the peace just and lasting,
That's how it should be in the end. There is no need to say that we want to be deceit at time and again. We know the neighbor and we know how it
behaves, and no other choice for us but to end this war with the courage of our people, with the resilience of our nation. And the president is at the
forefront of this struggle, and it will be actually the case. He will go forward.
And the chief of staff, now, is working on the deal, together with ally ministers. And hopefully, the lawyers and legal experts will have their say
that it should be in accordance with our Constitution, accordance with our laws, so that this deal is successful.
And the president just mentioned during his press conference, and this deal should be to the benefit of the U.S. and Ukraine relationship. It should
give benefits to the people of the United States and Ukraine.
GIOKOS: So, Ihor, let's go through this deal that's on the table right now.
President Donald Trump was talking about $500 billion worth of critical minerals. What is the number that we're looking at right now? And
importantly, does it include, as it stands right now, security guarantees for Ukraine?
BRUSYLO: The main thing is it is not done until it is done. It's in the works, and it's early to predict. But the teams are working hard, 24/7, and
they are about to finalize it. I hope that in the nearest days, the teams will meet, will can win to finalize the deal, to see the terms, so that
these terms are interpreted correctly, and in line with the legislation.
I don't want to go into detail now, because this is the process, you know, and legal process needs some silence mode. When it will be finished? It
will be shown. But I think that they need to talk more about the economic partnership, about the fund to be established, about the fund to be managed
by both sides, by the United States and by Ukraine. And how to fill in this fund, and what the sum should be in the end, is something that we will see
in the nearest days.
So, why -- you know, President Zelenskyy initially had said no to a critical minerals deal. Why did he change his mind?
BRUSYLO: No. It's -- it has never been said, no. It was taken actually in the media, but the idea was just to have a clear definition of terms.
Because we are talking about the agreement between the states. It's not just a commercial agreement between the companies. It's an interstate deal,
and it should correspond to the legislation, to the main law of the country, of the land. And this law, in our case is the Constitution.
These rare earth minerals belong to the people of Ukraine, and every interest of every citizen should be taken into consideration. And in this
thing, the president is taking forward this agreement. It has been expressed, it has been voiced, and this is the line that we are keeping.
And in the nearest future, the deal will be finalized, and then will be possible to make it public and to show to the people at where we stand and
what every side will get from this agreement.
It should be fair, it should be legal, and it should be in line with the law.
GIOKOS: So, Ihor, I've got to ask you this. You know, a U.S. military aid to Ukraine was $43 billion. And President Trump has called the debt.
This deal, is it about paying back that money, or is it securing future assistance and support from the United States? How are you -- how are you
thinking about, firstly, what you're hearing from the United States, calling it debt in a new environment, and then, importantly, signing that
deal? Would you say you want to see benefit Ukrainians?
BRUSYLO: Well, of course, because first of all, any, any deal should include security guarantees so that we know that having this deal haven't
the American contribution. We will never be, we will never see again the recurrence of this war in a couple of years.
[10:14:59]
Well, in terms of how to qualify the money that's the United States supported us with, this is -- this is actually the term of the deal. This
is what lawyers are working on.
GIOKOS: Ihor, I'm so sorry. Ihor, I apologize that I have to interject, but there's a press conference right now in Kyiv where President Zelenskyy, as
well as other diplomats are speaking. We're going to take this live now. Let's listen in.
ALEXANDER STUBB, PRESIDENT OF FINLAND: And my worry is that in the past two weeks, when we've seen a shift in the transatlantic partnership, and you'll
know that I'm an avid transatlanticist (PH), we have to wake up to a new reality.
And then, the question is, how do we get skin in the game? How do we get involved? I think a good start is what President Costa has done, is to call
a European Council, because right now, European diplomacy is rather cacophonic. It's all over the place.
That's why I have, together with some colleagues, proposed that we sit down and think about a plan. And in my mind, that plan or sketch goes in three
phases. The first phase is the pre-negotiation. That's where we are right now. This is when we have to think really hard how we put more pressure on
Russia, and basically how we support Volodymyr and Ukraine.
And what kind of security arrangements we have? And if I may, just as a side note, I'm getting a little bit frustrated about this debate on boots
on the ground, because that sort of misses the whole point. That is that the strongest boots on the ground in the world right now are with Ukraine.
They have the land forces. Then, it's a question about which phase and how Europe will come to support Ukraine. In the air, in the sea, with
reconnaissance, with intelligence, et cetera -- et cetera.
The second phase of the plan is when the cease fire begins. And that's actually quite crucial, because that's when you start looking at the
modalities and the agenda of the actual negotiations, and that's when you start looking at confidence building measures.
And then, the third phase is the peace process. And that's when you start talking about the big issues of territory, and that's when you start
talking basically about recompensation, about justice, which President Zelenskyy was talking about earlier.
So, what I'm trying to say is that, I think, we, in Europe, we need to get our act together. And in order to get an act together, you have to have a
plan to the Americans. Because if you don't have a plan to the Americans, you're not going to get involved in negotiations. And right now, the
negotiations are happening above our heads without any kind of a plan and strategy. That's why I think this meeting has been extremely important, and
that's why I think the next two weeks are crucial, also about the future of European security.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And there wasn't --
ZELENSKYY: Just to add some words, I think that you are -- sorry, that I'm telling. But this -- but, I think that you are near neighboring the same
problem, yes. And that's great, though, that's big success that you are in NATO.
And my congratulations to Sweden and also, and that's why. So, we are very thankful that we have such close partnership with Finland, with Alexander.
And, of course, you gave us a lot of packages during this war, and it was very important to use for.
I can tell, especially, by the way, first year. I'm focusing a lot of times on the first year, but I think that the first year, first months, what the
most important, the most important in this battle.
And when those time, we didn't have 155 artilleries, I mean, western kind of NATO, standard systems of artillery. We didn't have a long-distance
weapon and et cetera. We had Ukrainian production -- Soviet period production, any weapon, artillery and et cetera, and their air defense S-
300, for example, missiles.
And it was very difficult, was big deficit, because big deficit in the world. And Finland helped us very much. Because, really, we found only some
countries who had it in the storages. Yes. So, it was very important, especially in those months, those first weeks and months.
And about your neighbor, and I think, and of course, Ukraine will be always thankful for this, and never forget it. And I think those experience of
such enemies or such problematic neighboring, how to save the border, and you have very long border with Russia, and that's why, I think our
experience of how to defend the contact line, or defend the front line and the same technologies, how defend the border.
[10:20:04]
I think this experience, our experience, will be very useful for your country. It's doesn't mean that you will have a war, but it's more safety,
I think so.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Thank you. I was told we have another question to Prime Minister Kristersson from (INAUDIBLE).
ULF KRISTERSSON, PRIME MINISTER OF SWEDEN: Yes.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The floor is yours.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: (INAUDIBLE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: (INAUDIBLE) But last.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I can put my question in English, actually. Today, President, now, said, stepped with the initiative for Ukraine -- for
Ukraine to become a member of E.U. by first of January of 2030, and do support such initiative. Because we need a coalition of leaders who will
support our way for E.U.
And (INAUDIBLE).
KRISTERSSON: Well, that, for me, OK. Yes.
Well, obviously, we have a -- you know, we have the phrase of a merit-based process. And since there are a lot of merits, there is a good reason for
speediness in the process. So, that's very easy. I really wouldn't mind to have a very specific take.
I think there is an urgency in becoming a European Union member. And even more so if there is put at a doubt whether Ukraine will be allowed into
NATO for every country. So, I think the European Union accession is very is urgent need.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: (INAUDIBLE)
ZELENSKYY: I think so that how to open clusters quickly on the way to E.U. and what we have to do for this. I think all the answers can give you,
really the president, Ursula Von der Leyen.
She knows when we -- she and President Costa, I think, they know when we will be in E.U.
Really. No pressure. They are decision makers. So --
URSULA VON DER LEYEN, PRESIDENT, EUROPEAN COMMISSION: Yes, but perhaps, I may add, I am now witnessing many different accession processes. I must
say, I'm so deeply impressed by the speed and the quality with which this country, Ukraine is reforming and doing all the necessary steps. And these
are hard steps, and this is a lot of hard work, while fighting a war to -- of survival is really impressive.
So, you have here an example for highest merit, highest quality and speedy delivery that is exemplary.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You got three. So, now, we go to Latvia. Latvian media, Latvian television (INAUDIBLE).
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Thanks. Hello. Works well.
So, the Nordic and the Baltic states, my question would be to President of Latvia, President Rinkevics, and maybe a short comment on that from
President Zelenskyy, if possible.
Shortly, about the Nordics and Baltics around today. You know the pledge to train and also to equip brigade size unit. Given the uncertain situation
right now in geopolitics, and a bit of a follow up in the Finnish colleague here. Do you see that Europe would need to rapidly increase its military
aid to Ukraine, and is Europe capable of doing that? Thank you.
EDGARS RINKEVICS, PRESIDENT OF LATVIA: Actually, those are very easy questions. Yes, and yes. But I think that for the second, what they really
need is to, first of all, get a very clear message to the defense industry that we are going to spend more. Because what defense industry needs a
clear commitment.
Number two, both on the national level, less at the European level, we still are experiencing all those procedures, procedures, procedures. Sorry
to say, but I think that we need to get out of this kind of mood that we are very much process oriented, but to move to the results oriented.
I do believe that we can do that, and I do believe that we must do that, and I do believe that we will do that.
[10:25:04]
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: OK, let's go now to --
ZELENSKYY: I think so that all the defend or military industries of European countries began to increase the production because of this war,
began to increase the production, beginning from the artillery rounds to drone production technologies, systems of electronic warfare.
There are a lot of things, different things, but how to do -- but it's not enough. And how to increase more quick and be comparable with Russians is
to more -- to invest more to Ukrainian production.
Because our economy, we have military economy for today. We just -- we just produce. For example, like drones, we have 200 private companies. 200, it's
a lot. Even small company, they need financing, and they produce quicker than our government production.
It's understandable, because without any bureaucracy, they just produce and help soldiers. And, by the way, they help directly to the front line. What
is important? They don't produce and just to give government, and then government think how to send it to the front lines.
So, there are a lot of quick ways. For example, we did one thing. So, I began to pay money directly to brigades. It's one of the version how to
help them to produce quickly. And they really do a lot of things, and they buy and produce -- drop brigades on the front line, which produce at the
same time.
So very, really, very sorry if I'm using not correct word, interesting, but it's -- but it's incredible. So, that's why we need additional financing
for our Ukrainian production directly to private sector.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Now to Lithuanian media, LRT Augustina --
GIOKOS: All right. There you have Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv. The Ukrainian president, hosting leaders on what is the third-year anniversary
of the Russian invasion into Ukraine.
And as you can see, a sign of unity there. Many leaders, not only from Europe, but also the Canadian prime minister.
Important, we just heard from president from Finland, Alexander Stubb. And he said, the Europeans need to get their act together and have to go with
to the United States with a plan, because conversations right now are happening above Europeans heads, and they have to be involved in the
conversation.
Another question towards leaders there is when Ukraine would be joining the European Union. Volodymyr Zelenskyy then said the only person who knows
that answer is Ursula Von der Leyen, and she's the president of the European Commission.
And then, she said that the speed at which the Ukrainians, even during time of war on meeting deadlines and, of course, creating changes as well as
adjusting their economies, is very commendable. So, a sign there that perhaps the Europeans are behind Ukraine, and also a topic about security,
increasing spending, that is going to be vital in getting Ukraine, as well as Europe, onto the negotiating table when it comes to peace.
All right, we're going to very short break. We'll be back after this. Stay with CNN.
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[10:30:46]
GIOKOS: Welcome back. You're watching CONNECT THE WORLD with Eleni Giokos live in Abu Dhabi. Germany's center right, CDU is set to take power after a
snap election on Sunday, with Friedrich Merz in the driver's seat. Most spoke earlier today with confidence that he will be able to build a
coalition to govern with the outgoing ruling party, the Social Democrats, and he laid out his vision for Germany and for Europe, which includes
European unity and independence from the United States. But he's not giving up on maintaining ties with the Trump administration.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
FRIEDRICH MERZ, CHRISTIAN DEMOCRATIC UNION LEADER (through translator): I would never have believed that I would ever have to think something like
this, let alone say it, but all the signals we are getting from the U.S. indicate that their interest in Europe is clearly waning and the
willingness to get involved in Europe is decreasing. Nevertheless, I hope that we can convince Americans that it is in our mutual interest that we
continue to have good transatlantic relations.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
GIOKOS: Fred Pleitgen was at that news conference in Berlin and he joins us now. Fred, good to have you with us. It's really interesting this talk
about what happens with the Trump administration and where the CDU stands right now, keeping in mind the context that Elon Musk has been very open
about the fact that he's supporting the AfD, the far-right party. So, what kind of relationship are -- is the CDU and the possible coalition expecting
to have with Washington when President Trump's, you know, important figure is openly supporting the far right?
FREDERIK PLEITGEN, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Yes. I congratulate the far right earlier today on their very good showing at the
election. Germany, doubling the amount of votes, or the percentage of the vote compared to the last election. So certainly, right now, a lot of
concern that we heard there from Friedrich Merz earlier today at that news conference.
We heard last night, also, after it was clear that he was going to win the election as well. And at that news conference, I asked him, look, how are
you going to prevent getting into conflict with the Trump administration over issues like trade, over issues like Ukraine in the future? And here's
what he had to say.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
PLEITGEN: You spoke about some of the concerns that you have about the Trump administration, sir, how do you want to position Germany, as far as
the United States is concerned to prevent confrontations with the Trump administration, for Germany, for Europe, and how concerned are you about
Donald Trump's efforts at rebuilding relations with Russia to the detriment of both Europe and Ukraine?
MERZ (through translator): I am quite concerned about what we hear from Washington, especially over recent days, but I personally don't believe
that what we heard were the last words. I also heard very clearly different voices from the Congress. Many Americans see the view of their own
government quite critically, but it is important for me that we have a common attitude on the European side of the Atlantic on the topics that
need to be tackled.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PLEITGEN: So, Friedrich Merz calling for more European unity and European common position when it comes to dealing with the United States, but of
course, also tackling some of the problems here in Europe as well. And Germany, of course, right now, with its own large set of problems, which is
why came to this snap election in the first place, migration, of course, being one of them, but the situation in Ukraine as well.
And they are Certainly the far-right AfD said that they are absolutely in line in almost all policy issues with the Trump administration, especially
on the issue of migration. But of course, they are also very friendly towards Russia as well. And I asked their main candidate and party
Chairwoman Alice Weidel today how she would deal with the Trump administration and here's what she had to say.
ALICE WEIDEL, CO-LEADER, ALTERNATIVE FOR GERMANY: Firewalls are undemocratic and there should be no firewalls at all.
PLEITGEN: Elon Musk saying congratulations to you. How would you like to work together with the Trump administration?
WEIDEL: To be a very good partner and to have serious and proper conversation with our U.S. American partner. And, you know, for us, very
good international relationships are preconditioned for a good international dialog.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PLEITGEN: And when Elise Weidel was talking about those firewalls which she's talking about as parties like the ones Friedrich Merz but also
generally, the centrist parties here in this country saying they're building a firewall around the AfD and will not cooperate with them.
[10:35:07]
That, of course, has led to major criticism, not just from one of the big backers of the AfD, Elon Musk, but also from Vice President Pence as well,
Eleni. Vice President Vance, I should say.
GIOKOS: All right. Frederik Pleitgen thank you so much. All right. I want to bring in Jurgen Hardt. He's a member of the German parliament with the
Christian Democratic Union joining us now from Wuppertal in Western Germany.
Jurgen, great to have you with us. Thank you, sir for taking the time.
JURGEN HARDT, GERMAN PARLIAMENT MEMBER: Hello.
GIOKOS: Earlier today, we heard from Friedrich Merz, the man that is said to be the next chancellor, and he said there are three priorities they'll
be discussing with coalition partners. Security, Immigration and boosting the economy? Do you believe there will be alignment with coalition partners
on these pertinent issues?
HARDT: The main issue economic growth in Germany coming back to track after three years of recession in Germany. It's a most important thing and
because we had a minister on economics from the Green Party, Robert Habeck, who was the (INAUDIBLE) of the Green Party and not any longer part of the
game in the next coalition. I expect that we will have a new approach on these economic issues.
Second, concerning defense and military capabilities of Germany, I trust that Boris Pistorius, the acting defense minister in Germany, he's the
current defense minister in Germany, and maybe one of the leaders of the Social Democrats for the next four years is strongly committed in
strengthening the Bundeswehr those voices in his own party that were more pacifistic and more against new weapons, maybe will be more silent in the
future because Boris Pistorius sees the necessity as Friedrich Merz.
And the third pillar the immigration I think immigration policy, social democrats are very reluctant to change something in the behavior of the
German government, but more than half of the voters and supporters of social democrats also asked for a more strict bringing through the rule of
law in that field in Germany. And therefore, I'm optimistic that we will reach a consensus in three these three big points of the German politics
within the next three to four weeks, together with the Social Democrats so that we can build up a new government before Easter.
GIOKOS: Yes. And before Easter. So, time is of the essence because if you look at what's happened with support for the far right AfD party has gone
from 10 percent to just over 20 percent. And if I look at what happened in the east part of the country, the CDU didn't get one constituent votes, not
one. So what risks are we looking at here where you've got the rise of the far right and clearly putting pressure on you and your coalition?
HARDT: We have successful prime ministers in some of the states of former East Germany. But you are right that in this campaign, we didn't reach a
majority -- a majority for constituency in East Germany. And this is a pity looking to the votes for AfD. I have to state that the inactivity of the
former government, from Greens, Social Democrats and Liberals in the immigration point led to that increase in votes for AfD.
And our idea is to give political options for those people who are voting for AfD and are concerned about the situation, what the former government
did -- didn't do. We don't -- can -- want to cooperate with AfD because AfD is a (INAUDIBLE) course of Russia and Germany. They are, by the way, in
East Germany, very strong, anti-American and pro-Russian. They want to step us out of NATO, want to step out of European Union.
This is not fit -- does not fit to any of our political opinions in (INAUDIBLE) but concerning creation policy, I think we need a change in
Germany to bring through rule of law in Germany on that -- on their topic and to get back control about illegal migrants in Germany and this is what
we want to do and this will reduce the support for AfD significantly, I'm sure.
GIOKOS: All right. Jurgen Hardt, thank you so much for your time and your insights. Good to have you with us.
All right. I want to take us in our back to Kyiv where the Ukrainian president and Western leaders have been speaking to reporters. Let's listen
back in.
PEDRO SANCHEZ, PRIME MINISTER OF SPAIN: The importance of defending and providing this support to Ukraine and its people in order to guarantee that
peace and security in Ukraine and in Europe.
[10:40:08]
And by the way, you know when it comes to enlargement, since we come from a country which became member state of European Union back in the 80s of the
20th century, we're always open and very constructive in the approach of the enlargement of Ukraine, Moldova and Western Balkans. So, you know, I
think that -- and this is not because is the political will of the government.
It's the political will of the Spanish society which really feel that solidarity, before, when we were, you know, with some problems and
nowadays, when other countries such as Ukraine need that solidarity. And I'm also very happy that we agreed with President Zelenskyy to open a
Ukrainian hub in Spain, since we are the fourth largest country in the European Union receiving Ukrainian refugees in our country to provide that
services, not only from the Spanish government, but also from the Ukrainian government.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: OK. And one last one to wrap up, from the Ukrainian media to Ukrainian
President.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: (SPEAKING IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE)
GIOKOS: All right. There you have the press conference with President Zelenskyy happening in Kyiv right now. Ukraine commemorating three years of
war since Russia invaded Ukraine. And clearly a show of force, European leaders wanting to show that they are backing Ukraine, and importantly, are
willing to increase defense spending and get involved in the negotiations. We're keeping a close watch on this and of course, we'll bring you more
just after the break. Stay with CNN.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
GIOKOS: What did you do this week? An e-mail asking us federal employees to justify keeping their job is setting the stage for a potential showdown in
Washington. Presidential adviser Elon Musk tweeting, if they did not respond by the Monday deadline, they will be considered to be resigning.
Several federal and agency heads are telling their employees not to reply to the e-mail. CNN's Alayna Treene has more from Washington.
[10:45:05]
ALAYNA TREENE, CNN WHITE HOUSE REPORTER: We did actually hear from Elon Musk this morning, kind of doubling down on what he had said about the
seriousness of this e-mail and wanting federal workers to respond to this. He posted to X "Those who do not take this e-mail seriously will soon be
furthering their career elsewhere." So, really kind of that threat that if they don't respond by that midline -- midnight deadline, they may be forced
to resign.
But look, there are a lot of people within different government. We now heard from five different agency heads, all of whom, I should say, were
hand selected by Donald Trump, including at the Pentagon, the FBI State Department, Department of Homeland Security and the Energy Department
telling their employees at their agencies not to respond to this. Kash Patel, who was just sworn in as FBI director on Friday, someone who was
seen as a loyalist to Donald Trump and a leader of the MAGA movement.
He told his employees, "For now, please pause any responses." So there's some mixed messaging here on whether or not all federal employees who
received this e-mail should actually be responding to this. Now, this e- mail has also been met with widespread criticism, particularly on Capitol Hill and not only from Democrats. We have heard from Republicans who are
questioning the nature of this and raising some concerns. Take a listen to what they said.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. JOHN CURTIS (R-UT): If I could say one thing that Elon Musk, it's like, please put a dose of compassion in this. These are real people. These
are real lives.
SEN. LISA MURKOWSKI (R-AK): You do not disrespect those who have worked hard, who have done good and honorable public service.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
TREENE: Now, these two senators, Republican senators, again, I should say, are saying things that I'm hearing as well, including from within the Trump
administration itself, which is that many people believe that cuts are necessary, that there's bloat within the government. There may be
widespread waste, fraud and abuse, but it's the nature of how this is being conducted. One that swift approach, that chainsaw nature of how this is
being conducted.
And largely without a broader, more thorough review of exactly what these employees are doing, how they are necessary to their agencies. And keep in
mind, as well, a lot of these agency heads were just brought into government. Like I said, Kash Patel was just sworn in on Friday. So,
they're still determining what their needs are. And so that's where I'm hearing a lot of this criticism.
But on the other hand, I will argue that, you know, those closest to the White House, those people who work in the West Wing, who are very close to
Donald Trump, they are celebrating this type of thing. They argue, you know, that some of the criticism is actually justification for why they
believe they need to be doing this and doing it even more aggressively.
GIOKOS: Pope Francis remains in critical condition at Rome hospital. Vatican officials say he had a good night of sleep and getting lots of
rest. The 88-year-old pontiff is battling pneumonia in both lungs. They also say blood tests revealed the Pope has signs of mild kidney failure,
but is said to be currently under control.
CNN's Vatican correspondent Christopher Lamb joins us now from Rome. Christopher, good to have you with us. Look, we've been hearing so much
news and it just major concern about whether he's OK. Resting right now but what exactly does mild kidney failure mean in terms of the seriousness of
this and whether he'll be able to recover?
CHRISTOPHER LAMB, CNN VATICAN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Eleni, it's a complex medical picture for Pope Francis and it is now the longest time that he's
spent in hospital since he was elected Pope in 2013. The Vatican saying that the Pope had a good night last night, that he rested and that he's
been having treatment. Vatican sources saying that the Pope is awake and has been eating, but clearly Francis is still in a critical condition.
We had that news about the kidney failure, but we were told that's under control. There was the respiratory crisis on Saturday, again, we're told
that under control, but the Pope is still receiving high level flow of oxygen. The Pope is 88 years old. He has a history of respiratory
infections. He's been in hospital since February the 14th. He has pneumonia in both lungs. It's obviously a complex but very concerning situation.
Tonight, in the Vatican in St. Peter's Square, a prayer service will be led by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Holy See Secretary of State. With other
Cardinals and leaders of the Vatican, they'll be gathering to pray in the square and to be joined by other people, Catholics, to pray for Pope
Francis's health. It's going to be a poignant event, and it does have echoes of a similar prayer service that took place in 2005 when Pope John
Paul II was very ill.
There's been an outpouring of prayer and good wishes for Pope Francis, not just from Catholics, but from the Grand imam of Al Azhar, for example, the
leader of Sunni Islam, who has a close bond with Pope Francis. They've worked together on interfaith initiatives.
[10:50:07]
We are expecting a further update on the Pope's clinical condition from the Vatican this evening, Eleni.
GIOKOS: Christopher Lamb, thank you so much for that update. And still ahead on CNN, could the Oscar be next? The great night for Demi Moore at
the Screen Actors Guild Awards. We take A look at the big winners. Stay with us.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
GIOKOS: The race to the Oscars is heating up with the Screen Actors Guild Awards honoring Hollywood's best performances this year. The cast of
Conclave took the top award for Outstanding Performance by Cast in a Motion Picture. Zoe Saldana continued her award season sweep, earning Best
Supporting Actress for Amelia Perez while on the T.V. side, a great night for the historical Japanese drama Shogun.
Lisa Respers France has more on all the winners. Lisa, it's always fun to look at these awards. It kind of takes us out of our reality and into the
world of movies. So, tell me who won, who lost.
LISA RESPERS FRANCE, CNN REPORTER: Well, you know, there was some surprise wins. You already mentioned some. For example, Conclave was a bit of a
surprise, because people thought either Wicked or Anora was going to take it. So, them taking it for best ensemble film was a big deal. Another
surprise was Timothee Chalamet taking it for best actor because a lot of people have really felt like this was Adrien Brody's race to lose.
And so, with Timothee Chalamet winning for his performance as Bob Dylan and at Biopic a complete unknown. It was a little bit of shocker for some
people. People were enormously happy, however, for Demi Moore, because she won for the substance. I've been joking that pun intended she's killing it
with this horror, sci-fi. And she also is really representing actresses of a certain age.
You know, of course, there's a lot of ageism in Hollywood and people feel like as actresses in particular, get older, they kind of age out. And she's
really been sweeping it when it comes to this award season in terms of not just winning awards but also the buzz behind it. So, people have been
incredibly excited. And another one that was a bit of a surprise for some people was only murders in the building winning for comedy ensemble.
Because a lot of people all -- think that the bear is going to win all of the awards, but there's always been this kind of like discussion about, is
the bear actually a comedy or not? Why is it always in that category? And Selena Gomez was really funny because she got up there, she was so shocked.
She was like, we never win. And she made the joke that her co-star Steve Martin and Martin Short weren't there because they really didn't care.
But we, of course, no thanks to Steve Martin, that Martin Short actually contracted COVID while he was at the Saturday Night Live. Their recent 50th
anniversary special. So that is possibly why they were not present at the award show. So, it was a night of surprises, and also really interesting
evening in which they tried to balance the heaviness of the world, especially in Los Angeles where people are still dealing with those
horrendous wildfires, with the lightness of the evening and wanting to really celebrate acting, and that's what we saw last night.
GIOKOS: Absolutely. And Lisa, you do such a good job on reporting and telling us you know the tik-tok of what happened. But I'm going to ask you
a question, what was your favorite movie?
[10:55:03]
FRANCE: All right. Don't do that to me. Really?
GIOKOS: What did you (INAUDIBLE)
FRANCE: I think --
GIOKOS: Of course, I have to.
FRANCE: I think -- I think that you -- we should not sleep on Anora. I know a lot of people loved Wicked. I too loved Wicked. It is incredible. But I
feel like, when it comes to the Oscars, like a Anora, it feels like one of those films that the Oscar voters really gravitate towards. You know, it's
just dark enough, just interesting enough. And if nothing else, Hollywood likes to show that it can take itself a little bit seriously.
So, I think we should not count out either that film or the brutalist. You know, even though, of course, in my heart of hearts, I want Wicked to win
all of the awards because, though I'm not a theater kid, and I never was, I am here for a musical at all times. And Wicked was absolutely my favorite
this year.
GIOKOS: Look at you. Well, it's great to get to know you a little bit better. And what makes you take -- by the way, the scariest thing I've seen
in such a long time was The Substance. Demi Moore was amazing but it was so hair raising. I had nightmares for like three days in a row.
FRANCE: Yes.
(CROSSTALK)
GIOKOS: Anyway, Lisa Respers France, great to have you with us. Thank you.
FRANCE: Thank you.
GIOKOS: (INAUDIBLE) All right. Breaking news to bring you from the music world. Grammy Award winning singer and pianist Roberta Flack has died. Her
songs Killing Me Softly With This Song and The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face solidified her as one of the top recording artists of the 1970s. Flack
announced in 2022 that she would no longer sing because she had the nervous system disease. ALS. Roberta Flank was 88 years old. Really sad news. What
a loss.
Well, thank you so much for joining us for this edition of CONNECT THE WORLD. Stay with CNN for Eleni Giokos. I'll see you next time CNN NEWSROOM
with Isa Soares is up next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
END
