EU Confidential

Ukraine’s 4-month countdown

Sep 27, 2024

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shares his pressing concerns about the four-month countdown until U.S. election dynamics shift. Journalist Veronika Melkozerova recounts her riveting encounter with Zelensky in Kyiv as he unveils his ambitious "Victory Plan." The duo discusses NATO support, Ukraine's aspirations for membership, and the geopolitical ramifications of military aid amid rising tensions with Russia. Together, they ponder the implications of U.S. political shifts on European security and defense, highlighting the urgency of diplomatic efforts.

39:10

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Episode guests

Volodymyr Zelensky

Veronika Melkozerova

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Quick takeaways

Zelensky's lobbying in the U.S. focuses on obtaining crucial military aid and NATO support as political uncertainty looms ahead.

European nations exhibit divided opinions on military assistance for Ukraine, complicating Zelensky's efforts to secure robust backing from allies.

Deep dives

Zelensky's Urgent Diplomatic Push

Zelensky's recent trip to the U.S. is aimed at solidifying support for Ukraine as it nears a crucial period in its conflict with Russia. With only four months left until a potential shift in U.S. presidential leadership, he is seeking significant military assistance and a clear stance on Ukraine's NATO aspirations. His victory plan emphasizes deep strikes into Russian territory with Western missiles, signaling Ukraine's desire for more impactful support. The outcome of this diplomatic effort could shape Ukraine's strategy moving forward, particularly given the uncertain political landscape in the U.S.

Intro

2min

Zelensky's Strategic Push for Support

20min

The Future of European Defense and Ukraine's Negotiation Hurdles

4min

Navigating Political Waters: The Rise of Rafael Iffito in the EU Commission

5min

Navigating EU Politics: The Legacy of Mr. Fix It

5min

Volodymyr Zelensky has just four months. That’s the time left until U.S. President Joe Biden leaves office. After that, who knows what’s going to happen. And that means uncomfortable questions for the EU, too.

This week’s edition of EU Confidential tracks the Ukrainian president’s recent journey to the U.S. We start off in Kyiv, where POLITICO’s Veronika Melkozerova recounts meeting Zelensky as he gave reporters a sneak peek of his “Victory Plan.” (Security is tight — even lipstick needs a close check.)

Then we unpack his lobbying mission to the White House and the U.N. General Assembly. Jan Cienski, POLITICO senior policy editor; Dave Brown, defense editor at POLITICO US; and Olga Oliker, program director for Europe and Central Asia at International Crisis Group join host Sarah Wheaton to discuss the political and strategic debates playing out in the U.S. and the EU.

We also listen in on Suzanne Lynch’s interview with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. For more, subscribe to POLITICO’s Global Playbook newsletter.

Next, we continue our Berylamont Who’s Who series with mini-profiles of commissioners-designate Raffaele Fitto (Meloni’s man in Brussels) and current EVP Maroš Šefčovič (the EU’s Mr. Fix-it).

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EU Confidential

Ukraine’s 4-month countdown

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Zelensky's Urgent Diplomatic Push

Battling European Hesitation

Military Requirements vs. Political Will

The Uncertainty of Future Alliances

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts