583. Lesia Dubenko - Breaking Down the Big Interview Between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Lex Fridman
Jan 6, 2025
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Lesia Dubenko, a Ukrainian journalist and analyst with features in major outlets like the Financial Times, dives deep into the significant interview between President Zelenskyy and Lex Fridman. She discusses Ukraine's ongoing anti-corruption efforts, the hurdles of conducting elections amid conflict, and the crucial need for solid security guarantees from allies. The conversation delves into the complexities of military aid, the implications of language in diplomacy, and the dangers of misinformation that challenge Ukraine's narrative on the world stage.
Financing Ukraine's defense through frozen Russian assets presents a pragmatic solution that supports both Ukrainian sovereignty and U.S. job creation.
Zelensky's administration is actively reforming Ukraine's anti-corruption systems while navigating the complexities of governance during wartime.
Deep dives
Financing Support for Ukraine
Arming Ukraine can be financed through the $300 billion of frozen Russian central bank assets, providing a compelling solution for U.S. support. This strategy counters the narrative that financial aid to Ukraine is wasted or unaccounted for. Instead of disappearing into a corrupt system, funds used for U.S.-manufactured weapons contribute to job creation within the United States. This approach presents a mutually beneficial opportunity for both countries, making it easier for skeptics, including Trump's supporters, to engage with the idea of aiding Ukraine.
Addressing Corruption and Governance
Despite the concerns around corruption, Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine is not devoid of efforts to combat it and has established one of the EU's most advanced anti-corruption systems. He acknowledged that corruption exists at different levels but pointed to various independent bodies working to tackle the issue. Zelensky's administration has actively pursued influential oligarchs, successfully imprisoning figures like Kolomoysky, demonstrating Ukraine's capacity for reform. This nuanced discussion challenges Russian propaganda that labels Ukraine as an oligarchic regime, showcasing ongoing efforts to strengthen democratic governance.
Election Concerns Amid Conflict
Zelensky articulated the complexities of holding elections during wartime, noting that significant portions of the population are either abroad or in occupied territories, making fair voting nearly impossible. He reassured listeners that genuine free and fair elections will be prioritized once the conflict subsides and remaining optimistic about the war potentially concluding by 2025. The constitutional legitimacy of not holding elections during the war highlights the pressing realities faced by Ukraine while reassuring the commitment to democracy. This perspective is vital for understanding the challenges of governance in the context of ongoing aggression.
The Importance of Communication and Public Perception
Zelensky stressed the significance of fighting misinformation as heavily as the physical conflict itself, recognizing how disinformation erodes trust and support. He critiqued the characterization of Russian leaders as genuinely loving their nation, arguing that their actions contradict such sentiments. Drawing a powerful analogy, he pointed out that many Russians remain silent or inactive against the war, depicting them as bystanders to a tragedy. This stark observation underscores the divide between rhetoric and reality in wartime narratives, emphasizing the need for accountability on all sides.
SEE VIDEO ALSO AT: https://youtu.be/2EKB-pulmTU
An Emotional Ukrainian - format with Lesia Dubenko - Episode 3 -
2025-01-06
The big interview between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Lex Fridman.
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Lesia Dubenko is a Ukrainian journalist and analyst featured in the
Financial Times, Politico Europe, New Eastern Europe, Washington Times,
and more. She’s currently affiliated with Ukraine’s media outlet
Euromaidan Press. You can follow her on Substack for a dose of good and
satirical commentary https://lesiadubenko.substack.com
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LINKS
https://x.com/lesialvd
https://lesiadubenko.substack.com/
https://archive.kyivpost.com/author/lesia-dubenko
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesiadubenko/
https://euromaidanpress.com/author/lesiadubenko/
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SILICON CURTAIN FILM FUNDRAISER
A project to make a documentary film in Ukraine, to raise awareness of
Ukraine's struggle and in supporting a team running aid convoys to
Ukraine's frontline towns.
https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras
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SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain
https://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain
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TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:
Save Ukraine
https://www.saveukraineua.org/
Superhumans - Hospital for war traumas
https://superhumans.com/en/
UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in
Ukraine
https://unbroken.org.ua/
Come Back Alive
https://savelife.in.ua/en/
Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchen
https://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraine
UNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyy
https://u24.gov.ua/
Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundation
https://prytulafoundation.org
NGO “Herojam Slava”
https://heroiamslava.org/
kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and
Przemyśl
https://kharpp.com/
NOR DOG Animal Rescue
https://www.nor-dog.org/home/
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/finkjonathan/
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain
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