The Daily

A Conversation With President Zelensky

Jun 4, 2024

Andrew E. Kramer, the Kyiv bureau chief for The New York Times, delves into the remarkable journey of President Volodymyr Zelensky from TV star to wartime leader. They discuss the daunting military challenges Ukraine faces amid Russian aggression and the complexities of securing Western support. Kramer shares personal anecdotes that highlight the toll the conflict takes on Zelensky's leadership, exploring the societal resilience and emotional strains as Ukraine navigates a turbulent landscape of war and public sentiment.

28:17

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Episode guests

Andrew E. Kramer

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Quick takeaways

Zelensky advocates for US aid to counter Russian aggression despite concerns about escalation and nuclear risks.

Ukraine faces societal divisions and reluctance to fight in the war, necessitating mass mobilization to sustain the effort.

Deep dives

Zelensky's Struggle Against Russian Attacks

Zelensky faces the challenge of Russian attacks on Ukraine, pressing for the use of Western weaponry to defend against Russian incursions. Despite American red lines limiting weapon use, Zelensky highlights the urgent need for missile systems and military support to counter Russian aggression. The tide of war has shifted, prompting Zelensky to advocate for US aid despite concerns about escalation and nuclear risks.

Defense challenges in Ukraine

01:15

Reluctance to Fight in Ukrainian Society

01:02

Quality time matters more than understanding

01:12

Intro

2min

Zelensky's Leadership Amid War Challenges

11min

Ukraine's Military Strategy and Societal Resilience

7min

Ukraine's Struggles with Military Mobilization

7min

Navigating Uncertainty: Leadership in Times of Conflict

5min

Five years ago, a TV personality and comedian, Volodymyr Zelensky, won the presidency in Ukraine in a landslide victory. When Russia launched a full-scale invasion of the country three years later, he faced the biggest challenge of his presidency and of his life. Despite initial success beating back one of the world’s largest armies, the tide has turned against him.

Andrew E. Kramer, the Kyiv bureau chief for The Times, sat down with Mr. Zelensky to discuss the war, and how it might end.

Guest: Andrew E. Kramer, the Kyiv bureau chief for The New York Times.

Background reading:

Read The New York Times’s interview with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine.
Explaining the debate over Ukraine’s use of Western weapons.

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.

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The Daily

A Conversation With President Zelensky

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Zelensky's Struggle Against Russian Attacks

Challenges of Ukrainian Conscription

Zelensky's Personal Struggles and Uncertain Future

Defense challenges in Ukraine

Reluctance to Fight in Ukrainian Society

Quality time matters more than understanding

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts