The NPR Politics Podcast What the Ukraine Scandal Looks Like ... From Ukraine
Dec 23, 2019
Gregory Warner, host of Rough Translation and a seasoned reporter on international stories, dives into Ukraine's political upheaval following the election of comedian Volodymyr Zelensky as president. He discusses Zelensky's transformation from entertainer to political leader and the hope brought by new parliamentarians tackling corruption. Warner explores complex U.S.-Ukraine relations, including the historical context of corruption and how recent impeachment issues in the U.S. affect the Ukrainian perspective, blending cultural commentary with political insights.
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Zelensky's Unexpected Win
- Gregory Warner's in-laws were shocked by Zelensky's win due to his Jewish background.
- Zelensky, a comedian with no political experience, won, surprising those who'd known Ukrainian anti-Semitism.
Outsider Presidents
- Zelensky and Trump, both entertainers turned politicians, ran on anti-establishment platforms.
- Zelensky dissolved parliament, calling for snap elections and prioritizing political newcomers.
Guren's Concerns
- Micha Guren, a principled newcomer, joined parliament despite reservations about corruption.
- Guren believed previous parliaments became corrupt within six months.