President Zelenskyy: It's Time To Tell You The Truth About The War! They Found 500 Bodies!

>> Well, it's hard. >> Well, it's hard. >> Uh, I'll be honest. I uh don't sleep. >> Uh, I'll be honest. I uh don't sleep. >> Uh, I'll be honest. I uh don't sleep. It's a huge, terrifying pain that I It's a huge, terrifying pain that I It's a huge, terrifying pain that I wouldn't wish on anyone. wouldn't wish on anyone. wouldn't wish on anyone. >> I can see the tears in your eyes. >> I can see the tears in your eyes. >> I can see the tears in your eyes. >> Yeah. >> The war started February 24th of 22. I >> The war started February 24th of 22. I didn't think there would be a full-scale didn't think there would be a full-scale didn't think there would be a full-scale invasion. I was with my family, told my invasion. I was with my family, told my invasion. I was with my family, told my wife that to the kids the war has wife that to the kids the war has wife that to the kids the war has started. I love you, I'll call you and started. I love you, I'll call you and started. I love you, I'll call you and ran up. ran up. ran up. >> Satellite imagery captured a massive 64 >> Satellite imagery captured a massive 64 >> Satellite imagery captured a massive 64 km long Russian military convoy leading km long Russian military convoy leading km long Russian military convoy leading to Kiev. to Kiev. to Kiev. >> And just imagine 200,000 people are >> And just imagine 200,000 people are >> And just imagine 200,000 people are coming at you. It's simply impossible to coming at you. It's simply impossible to coming at you. It's simply impossible to defend. Missiles were raining down on defend. Missiles were raining down on defend. Missiles were raining down on your head. Those were absolutely your head. Those were absolutely your head. Those were absolutely horrifying moments. And I was in the horrifying moments. And I was in the horrifying moments. And I was in the bunker built right inside my office. bunker built right inside my office. bunker built right inside my office. Biden called me. We are ready to help Biden called me. We are ready to help Biden called me. We are ready to help you evacuate. you evacuate. you evacuate. >> What did you say to Biden? >> What did you say to Biden? >> What did you say to Biden? >> I need ammunition, not a ride. They >> I need ammunition, not a ride. They >> I need ammunition, not a ride. They expected people to run and me. I expected people to run and me. I expected people to run and me. I couldn't abandon the people. And then couldn't abandon the people. And then couldn't abandon the people. And then people showed up as volunteers and our people showed up as volunteers and our people showed up as volunteers and our army grew from 200,000 to an army of army grew from 200,000 to an army of army grew from 200,000 to an army of 800,000. Day after day, we pushed back 800,000. Day after day, we pushed back 800,000. Day after day, we pushed back harder.

harder. harder. >> What was your hardest day through the >> What was your hardest day through the >> What was your hardest day through the last four years? last four years? last four years? >> We liberated BHA. I went there. Dead >> We liberated BHA. I went there. Dead >> We liberated BHA. I went there. Dead bodies lying everywhere. kids, adults, bodies lying everywhere. kids, adults, bodies lying everywhere. kids, adults, elderly people, chopped meat, butchered elderly people, chopped meat, butchered elderly people, chopped meat, butchered them, hands tied, tortured, and then them, hands tied, tortured, and then them, hands tied, tortured, and then buried in in in pits. When you see a buried in in in pits. When you see a buried in in in pits. When you see a mass today finding a grave in the US or mass today finding a grave in the US or mass today finding a grave in the US or in Britain, God forbid, with 500 in Britain, God forbid, with 500 in Britain, God forbid, with 500 tortured people, how do you forgive? And tortured people, how do you forgive? And tortured people, how do you forgive? And that's why when President Trump says we that's why when President Trump says we that's why when President Trump says we need to find a compromise, well, you need to find a compromise, well, you need to find a compromise, well, you can't just forgive everything like that. can't just forgive everything like that. can't just forgive everything like that. Is there a realistic path to the end of Is there a realistic path to the end of Is there a realistic path to the end of this war? President Zalinski, President Zalinski, sometimes the question I'm about to ask sometimes the question I'm about to ask sometimes the question I'm about to ask you, we answer it flippantly when people you, we answer it flippantly when people you, we answer it flippantly when people ask, but I really want you to answer it ask, but I really want you to answer it ask, but I really want you to answer it in the fullest honest context you in the fullest honest context you in the fullest honest context you possibly can.

possibly can. possibly can. How are you doing? How are you doing? How are you doing? Well, it's hard Well, it's hard Well, it's hard uh hard because uh hard because uh hard because it's like I'm surviving along with my it's like I'm surviving along with my it's like I'm surviving along with my country and with the people and it's country and with the people and it's country and with the people and it's like really uh a question like will like really uh a question like will like really uh a question like will tomorrow come or not and the answer to tomorrow come or not and the answer to tomorrow come or not and the answer to that is yes it will. You can't answer it that is yes it will. You can't answer it that is yes it will. You can't answer it any other way because I am that means my any other way because I am that means my any other way because I am that means my family, my relatives, uh my country, I'm family, my relatives, uh my country, I'm family, my relatives, uh my country, I'm an inseparable part of it. And so how do an inseparable part of it. And so how do an inseparable part of it. And so how do I feel hard but with understanding the I feel hard but with understanding the I feel hard but with understanding the difficult reality with optimism because difficult reality with optimism because difficult reality with optimism because I still believe good wins. I believe in I still believe good wins. I believe in I still believe good wins. I believe in that truly. that truly. that truly. >> Is it a bit of a roller coaster on a >> Is it a bit of a roller coaster on a >> Is it a bit of a roller coaster on a human level for you? Are there there human level for you? Are there there human level for you? Are there there days where days where days where there's more hope and days where there's there's more hope and days where there's there's more hope and days where there's less hope? less hope? less hope? >> You can't live without hope. I >> You can't live without hope. I >> You can't live without hope. I understand sometimes inside, you know, understand sometimes inside, you know, understand sometimes inside, you know, you can be shattered inside, especially you can be shattered inside, especially you can be shattered inside, especially during wartime, especially during wartime, especially during wartime, especially families who, you know, lose some families who, you know, lose some families who, you know, lose some someone close in the in their family, someone close in the in their family, someone close in the in their family, a child, God forbid, or uh a wife, a a child, God forbid, or uh a wife, a a child, God forbid, or uh a wife, a husband, a mother, that is it's just an husband, a mother, that is it's just an husband, a mother, that is it's just an internal uh breakdown. It's very hard internal uh breakdown. It's very hard internal uh breakdown. It's very hard and it's much harder for them. I believe and it's much harder for them. I believe and it's much harder for them. I believe just so much harder than uh uh than it

just so much harder than uh uh than it just so much harder than uh uh than it is for me with all these challenges. is for me with all these challenges. is for me with all these challenges. >> The weight of all of this sits >> The weight of all of this sits >> The weight of all of this sits often on your shoulders. And when often on your shoulders. And when often on your shoulders. And when someone does lose a child or a loved one someone does lose a child or a loved one someone does lose a child or a loved one or or a wife or a sister or a daughter, or or a wife or a sister or a daughter, or or a wife or a sister or a daughter, I imagine as I've seen from, you know, I imagine as I've seen from, you know, I imagine as I've seen from, you know, some of these photos I have here of you, some of these photos I have here of you, some of these photos I have here of you, I mean, this photo in particular stands I mean, this photo in particular stands I mean, this photo in particular stands out to me. Oh, that's a terrible story. out to me. Oh, that's a terrible story. out to me. Oh, that's a terrible story. It's just a terrible story. That was uh It's just a terrible story. That was uh It's just a terrible story. That was uh that's when a missile hit a playground that's when a missile hit a playground that's when a missile hit a playground and the missile speed was such that the and the missile speed was such that the and the missile speed was such that the siren didn't help at all. So it was a siren didn't help at all. So it was a siren didn't help at all. So it was a matter of seconds and the missile struck matter of seconds and the missile struck matter of seconds and the missile struck and children were killed and both and children were killed and both and children were killed and both children were killed there mostly and children were killed there mostly and children were killed there mostly and adults just adults right there. A couple adults just adults right there. A couple adults just adults right there. A couple I remember they were just out walking I remember they were just out walking I remember they were just out walking passing by and because they were walking passing by and because they were walking passing by and because they were walking by and and and were killed. parents, by and and and were killed. parents, by and and and were killed. parents, you know, like right on this on this you know, like right on this on this you know, like right on this on this side there are homes too and parents side there are homes too and parents side there are homes too and parents there they some of them saw through the there they some of them saw through the there they some of them saw through the window. Do you understand what it's like window. Do you understand what it's like window. Do you understand what it's like to see through a window one of your to see through a window one of your to see through a window one of your children just torn apart and toys just children just torn apart and toys just children just torn apart and toys just such a during such a tragedy it's a such a during such a tragedy it's a such a during such a tragedy it's a tradition to bring flowers uh for adults tradition to bring flowers uh for adults tradition to bring flowers uh for adults and toys for children I went there it's

and toys for children I went there it's and toys for children I went there it's pain I'll say it again my pain can't pain I'll say it again my pain can't pain I'll say it again my pain can't even it's not even 10% of the parents even it's not even 10% of the parents even it's not even 10% of the parents pain it's terrifying just terrifying ing pain it's terrifying just terrifying ing pain it's terrifying just terrifying ing a missile that cut short the life of a a missile that cut short the life of a a missile that cut short the life of a child who had seen nothing yet. Imagine child who had seen nothing yet. Imagine child who had seen nothing yet. Imagine by the way and there are children a lot by the way and there are children a lot by the way and there are children a lot of them among the fallen as well who of them among the fallen as well who of them among the fallen as well who never lived in peace. never lived in peace. never lived in peace. I mean we we lived in in in a different I mean we we lived in in in a different I mean we we lived in in in a different time. We understand what it's like to time. We understand what it's like to time. We understand what it's like to live when there are no sirens, no live when there are no sirens, no live when there are no sirens, no shelling and so on. But there are kids shelling and so on. But there are kids shelling and so on. But there are kids uh every night they go down to the bomb uh every night they go down to the bomb uh every night they go down to the bomb shelter when the alarm goes off and the shelter when the alarm goes off and the shelter when the alarm goes off and the alarm goes off every night then they alarm goes off every night then they alarm goes off every night then they come back up and some of them have died. come back up and some of them have died. come back up and some of them have died. And just imagine there are children who And just imagine there are children who And just imagine there are children who never knew what peace was. That's never knew what peace was. That's never knew what peace was. That's horrifying. horrifying. horrifying. Absolutely. Absolutely. Absolutely. >> You said at the start of this invasion, >> You said at the start of this invasion, >> You said at the start of this invasion, this war, that you weren't sleeping. You this war, that you weren't sleeping. You this war, that you weren't sleeping. You said early in this invasion, you said said early in this invasion, you said said early in this invasion, you said you've not earned the right to sleep.

you've not earned the right to sleep. you've not earned the right to sleep. And I'm really curious about the sort of And I'm really curious about the sort of And I'm really curious about the sort of human toll that all of this has taken on human toll that all of this has taken on human toll that all of this has taken on you over the last four or five years you over the last four or five years you over the last four or five years because it it never stops. It never because it it never stops. It never because it it never stops. It never ends. And you you are a human being just ends. And you you are a human being just ends. And you you are a human being just like all the rest of us. You have a like all the rest of us. You have a like all the rest of us. You have a family. You have kids, but you have the family. You have kids, but you have the family. You have kids, but you have the the burden of this kind of horrific the burden of this kind of horrific the burden of this kind of horrific incident taking place in your country at incident taking place in your country at incident taking place in your country at all all the time. What is what is the all all the time. What is what is the all all the time. What is what is the sort of human burden there? And are you sort of human burden there? And are you sort of human burden there? And are you sleeping? sleeping? sleeping? >> Uh I'll be honest. I >> Uh I'll be honest. I >> Uh I'll be honest. I uh don't sleep. I I'm a responsible uh don't sleep. I I'm a responsible uh don't sleep. I I'm a responsible person. I have different traits, good person. I have different traits, good person. I have different traits, good ones, not so good ones. Like every ones, not so good ones. Like every ones, not so good ones. Like every person, nobody's perfect. Yeah. And person, nobody's perfect. Yeah. And person, nobody's perfect. Yeah. And every night I speak with our air defense every night I speak with our air defense every night I speak with our air defense operators, with our guys who run the air operators, with our guys who run the air operators, with our guys who run the air defense. Every night we talk. Well, defense. Every night we talk. Well, defense. Every night we talk. Well, yeah. Thanks to modern technology, it's yeah. Thanks to modern technology, it's yeah. Thanks to modern technology, it's very easy. And we text back and forth very easy. And we text back and forth very easy. And we text back and forth what's needed right now. Let's pull some what's needed right now. Let's pull some what's needed right now. Let's pull some over from another region. So, it's an over from another region. So, it's an over from another region. So, it's an active discussion which obviously well active discussion which obviously well active discussion which obviously well doesn't let you sleep. Yeah. You know, doesn't let you sleep. Yeah. You know, doesn't let you sleep. Yeah. You know, getting 8 hours of sleep like that is getting 8 hours of sleep like that is getting 8 hours of sleep like that is something something totally new to me something something totally new to me something something totally new to me during these uh years almost 5 years of during these uh years almost 5 years of during these uh years almost 5 years of war. I'm not complaining. I'm not war. I'm not complaining. I'm not war. I'm not complaining. I'm not complaining at all. And that's how I complaining at all. And that's how I complaining at all. And that's how I live. Uh live. Uh live. Uh the burden, the strongest emotion. I the burden, the strongest emotion. I the burden, the strongest emotion. I once answered this honestly. There's a once answered this honestly. There's a once answered this honestly. There's a moment when I present awards and there's

moment when I present awards and there's moment when I present awards and there's this moment when I award and personally this moment when I award and personally this moment when I award and personally the hero of Ukraine. It's the highest the hero of Ukraine. It's the highest the hero of Ukraine. It's the highest honor when I present this award to honor when I present this award to honor when I present this award to parents who uh lost a child. Yeah. A boy parents who uh lost a child. Yeah. A boy parents who uh lost a child. Yeah. A boy or a girl soldiers. or a girl soldiers. or a girl soldiers. that feeling uh that feeling uh that feeling uh you know well how I cease to exist in you know well how I cease to exist in you know well how I cease to exist in that moment I'm just well it's not e that moment I'm just well it's not e that moment I'm just well it's not e it's not pain it's something ter it's not pain it's something ter it's not pain it's something ter terrible I look at these people at their terrible I look at these people at their terrible I look at these people at their eyes at what they say many of them say eyes at what they say many of them say eyes at what they say many of them say something and and there are people who something and and there are people who something and and there are people who just ask for a hug imagine you give an just ask for a hug imagine you give an just ask for a hug imagine you give an award to a father whose very strong hand award to a father whose very strong hand award to a father whose very strong hand you can feel he's, you know, a strong you can feel he's, you know, a strong you can feel he's, you know, a strong man. You feel his strong hand and he man. You feel his strong hand and he man. You feel his strong hand and he just quietly says to you, "Can we hug?" just quietly says to you, "Can we hug?" just quietly says to you, "Can we hug?" So they, well, you know, they're gone. So they, well, you know, they're gone. So they, well, you know, they're gone. Gone as people anymore. Well, for a time Gone as people anymore. Well, for a time Gone as people anymore. Well, for a time then strong people try to survive. And then strong people try to survive. And then strong people try to survive. And these moments on the one on the one these moments on the one on the one these moments on the one on the one hand, I respect them. I do it. But on hand, I respect them. I do it. But on hand, I respect them. I do it. But on the other hand, it's hard to bear. I I the other hand, it's hard to bear. I I the other hand, it's hard to bear. I I understand them. And it's a huge understand them. And it's a huge understand them. And it's a huge terrifying pain that I wouldn't wish on terrifying pain that I wouldn't wish on terrifying pain that I wouldn't wish on anyone.

anyone. anyone. What these parents feel having lost a What these parents feel having lost a What these parents feel having lost a child, a soldier. child, a soldier. child, a soldier. These parents didn't lose a child on a These parents didn't lose a child on a These parents didn't lose a child on a playground. They lost a soldier. They playground. They lost a soldier. They playground. They lost a soldier. They knew that could happen. But knowing and knew that could happen. But knowing and knew that could happen. But knowing and losing are completely different things. losing are completely different things. losing are completely different things. >> I can see the tears in your eyes as you >> I can see the tears in your eyes as you >> I can see the tears in your eyes as you describe this. describe this. describe this. I'm a human being. I'm not ashamed to be I'm a human being. I'm not ashamed to be I'm a human being. I'm not ashamed to be who I am. I'm not the strongest man in who I am. I'm not the strongest man in who I am. I'm not the strongest man in the world. I try to set an example, but the world. I try to set an example, but the world. I try to set an example, but I'm definitely not a perfect person. I'm definitely not a perfect person. I'm definitely not a perfect person. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> Is there anything that you Because this >> Is there anything that you Because this >> Is there anything that you Because this is this is a lot to deal with. You know, is this is a lot to deal with. You know, is this is a lot to deal with. You know, I I hear you recounting the stories of I I hear you recounting the stories of I I hear you recounting the stories of dealing with these parents. Is there dealing with these parents. Is there dealing with these parents. Is there anything that you you do to take care of anything that you you do to take care of anything that you you do to take care of yourself? What is it that keeps you yourself? What is it that keeps you yourself? What is it that keeps you strong? My kids, My kids, my kids. I I just, you know, my kids. I I just, you know, my kids. I I just, you know, I have to be an example. I told myself, I have to be an example. I told myself, I have to be an example. I told myself, maybe I don't have to, but that's what I maybe I don't have to, but that's what I maybe I don't have to, but that's what I told myself. I have to set an example told myself. I have to set an example told myself. I have to set an example for my kids. This is the way that is for my kids. This is the way that is for my kids. This is the way that is not. And you have to set an example. Be not. And you have to set an example. Be not. And you have to set an example. Be strong. Be as brave as possible. But strong. Be as brave as possible. But strong. Be as brave as possible. But don't don't don't don't hide the pain. If you have it, you don't hide the pain. If you have it, you don't hide the pain. If you have it, you shouldn't say, "I don't feel anything."

shouldn't say, "I don't feel anything." shouldn't say, "I don't feel anything." Because human beings by nature, they're Because human beings by nature, they're Because human beings by nature, they're alive, and that's their weakness, but alive, and that's their weakness, but alive, and that's their weakness, but it's also where a person's strength it's also where a person's strength it's also where a person's strength lies. That really is where our strength lies. That really is where our strength lies. That really is where our strength is. And so, my kids keep me grounded is. And so, my kids keep me grounded is. And so, my kids keep me grounded very much. So, I want to set an example. very much. So, I want to set an example. very much. So, I want to set an example. I want them to be proud of me. I want them to be proud of me. I want them to be proud of me. We'll talk about that later. But there's We'll talk about that later. But there's We'll talk about that later. But there's um there's one big outstanding question, um there's one big outstanding question, um there's one big outstanding question, which is who is President Zalinski? And which is who is President Zalinski? And which is who is President Zalinski? And I've been through hundreds and hundreds I've been through hundreds and hundreds I've been through hundreds and hundreds of photos and stories from your of photos and stories from your of photos and stories from your childhood. I've got some some wonderful childhood. I've got some some wonderful childhood. I've got some some wonderful photos here of your earliest uh photos here of your earliest uh photos here of your earliest uh >> days. And >> days. And >> days. And >> yeah, >> yeah, >> yeah, >> and this is a beautiful one of your >> and this is a beautiful one of your >> and this is a beautiful one of your wonderful mother as well. wonderful mother as well. wonderful mother as well. >> That's my mom. Yeah. >> That's my mom. Yeah. >> That's my mom. Yeah. >> Mom was very beautiful. Well, she still >> Mom was very beautiful. Well, she still >> Mom was very beautiful. Well, she still is, but she's gotten older. Can you take is, but she's gotten older. Can you take is, but she's gotten older. Can you take me into your earliest context just so I me into your earliest context just so I me into your earliest context just so I can get a sort of a a view of what can get a sort of a a view of what can get a sort of a a view of what childhood was like for you? What's the childhood was like for you? What's the childhood was like for you? What's the context in which you grew up? And context in which you grew up? And context in which you grew up? And really, I'm I want to understand how really, I'm I want to understand how really, I'm I want to understand how that context and early experience fed that context and early experience fed that context and early experience fed into the man you are today, the into the man you are today, the into the man you are today, the perspective you have, the values that perspective you have, the values that perspective you have, the values that you cherish.

you cherish. you cherish. I'm from the generation that um I'm from the generation that um I'm from the generation that um straddled straddled straddled uh two u let's say two different lives uh two u let's say two different lives uh two u let's say two different lives meaning I was born in the Soviet Union meaning I was born in the Soviet Union meaning I was born in the Soviet Union when Ukraine was part of the Soviet when Ukraine was part of the Soviet when Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union and I grew up in an independent Union and I grew up in an independent Union and I grew up in an independent Ukraine Ukraine Ukraine and I've always said that my kids and I've always said that my kids and I've always said that my kids they're lucky because they were born in they're lucky because they were born in they're lucky because they were born in an independent country without all an independent country without all an independent country without all these, you know, shades of gray. This is these, you know, shades of gray. This is these, you know, shades of gray. This is gray. That's something else. No, it's gray. That's something else. No, it's gray. That's something else. No, it's black and white. Totally clear. They're black and white. Totally clear. They're black and white. Totally clear. They're patriots. They love their country and patriots. They love their country and patriots. They love their country and their country is Ukraine. While we were their country is Ukraine. While we were their country is Ukraine. While we were born in the Soviet Union and you know, born in the Soviet Union and you know, born in the Soviet Union and you know, we were kids from a fairly we were kids from a fairly we were kids from a fairly let's say not I don't want to offend let's say not I don't want to offend let's say not I don't want to offend anyone so my dad doesn't get upset. anyone so my dad doesn't get upset. anyone so my dad doesn't get upset. Well, from a regular very ordinary Well, from a regular very ordinary Well, from a regular very ordinary family, not not very well off. Let's put family, not not very well off. Let's put family, not not very well off. Let's put it that way. Yeah, let's put it that it that way. Yeah, let's put it that it that way. Yeah, let's put it that way. Well, that's and I think it's way. Well, that's and I think it's way. Well, that's and I think it's totally clear from the photos. Kai was totally clear from the photos. Kai was totally clear from the photos. Kai was born in Kiri, born in Kiri, born in Kiri, an academic family in Soviet era an academic family in Soviet era an academic family in Soviet era Ukraine. Wasn't um not not like you know Ukraine. Wasn't um not not like you know Ukraine. Wasn't um not not like you know in Europe or in the United States. An in Europe or in the United States. An in Europe or in the United States. An academic family with everything academic family with everything academic family with everything provided. Usually our academics didn't provided. Usually our academics didn't provided. Usually our academics didn't make a lot uh of money but again I'm I'm make a lot uh of money but again I'm I'm make a lot uh of money but again I'm I'm not complaining. I respect my father an

not complaining. I respect my father an not complaining. I respect my father an honest man a professor well values again honest man a professor well values again honest man a professor well values again and again I got an education and I got and again I got an education and I got and again I got an education and I got raised right and my parents love I think raised right and my parents love I think raised right and my parents love I think th those three things are enough to be th those three things are enough to be th those three things are enough to be grateful to your parents. grateful to your parents. grateful to your parents. I'm not sure people find this I'm not sure people find this I'm not sure people find this interesting. So let's move on. Um, when you were a young boy in those Um, when you were a young boy in those photos, when you're under the age of 10, photos, when you're under the age of 10, photos, when you're under the age of 10, had I asked you what you wanted to be had I asked you what you wanted to be had I asked you what you wanted to be when you grew up, what what would you when you grew up, what what would you when you grew up, what what would you have answered? have answered? have answered? Because and to be honest, I changed like Because and to be honest, I changed like Because and to be honest, I changed like the wind. Honestly, there was a time the wind. Honestly, there was a time the wind. Honestly, there was a time when I really wanted to be a diplomat, when I really wanted to be a diplomat, when I really wanted to be a diplomat, wanted to be uh a border guard. Yeah. wanted to be uh a border guard. Yeah. wanted to be uh a border guard. Yeah. And then uh I went to law school, And then uh I went to law school, And then uh I went to law school, graduated from law faculty and while graduated from law faculty and while graduated from law faculty and while studying I realized that I was more studying I realized that I was more studying I realized that I was more interested in media. So I got out and interested in media. So I got out and interested in media. So I got out and started working that exact field. started working that exact field. started working that exact field. >> I mean at 17 years old you became >> I mean at 17 years old you became >> I mean at 17 years old you became interested in comedy.

interested in comedy. interested in comedy. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And you joined a comedy group. And you >> And you joined a comedy group. And you >> And you joined a comedy group. And you from what I read you you did that up from what I read you you did that up from what I read you you did that up until the age of about 26 years old. So until the age of about 26 years old. So until the age of about 26 years old. So you were a comedian up until the age of you were a comedian up until the age of you were a comedian up until the age of 26 years old before starting a media 26 years old before starting a media 26 years old before starting a media company. company. company. I yeah, but I was more I enjoyed I was a I yeah, but I was more I enjoyed I was a I yeah, but I was more I enjoyed I was a script writer and so sometimes as a script writer and so sometimes as a script writer and so sometimes as a writer I also did um a little acting. I writer I also did um a little acting. I writer I also did um a little acting. I I enjoyed it. Yeah. Until I was 26 and I enjoyed it. Yeah. Until I was 26 and I enjoyed it. Yeah. Until I was 26 and then um at 26 I got my own company. then um at 26 I got my own company. then um at 26 I got my own company. >> There's some interesting stats I found. >> There's some interesting stats I found. >> There's some interesting stats I found. Uh 28 years old you won Ukraine's Uh 28 years old you won Ukraine's Uh 28 years old you won Ukraine's Dancing with the Stars. Dancing with the Stars. Dancing with the Stars. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. So you can dance? So you can dance? So you can dance? >> I think yes. I'm not sure that now I >> I think yes. I'm not sure that now I >> I think yes. I'm not sure that now I can. can. can. >> And later you voiced Paddington Bear in >> And later you voiced Paddington Bear in >> And later you voiced Paddington Bear in the Ukrainian language film. the Ukrainian language film. the Ukrainian language film. >> Yeah, I really really loved I think >> Yeah, I really really loved I think >> Yeah, I really really loved I think Paddington is a very cool thing.

Paddington is a very cool thing. Paddington is a very cool thing. Really right. and for the people. I'm Really right. and for the people. I'm Really right. and for the people. I'm not sure all of it is just for kids to not sure all of it is just for kids to not sure all of it is just for kids to be honest. But nonetheless, be honest. But nonetheless, be honest. But nonetheless, that character resonated deeply with me. that character resonated deeply with me. that character resonated deeply with me. And I I even after I became president, And I I even after I became president, And I I even after I became president, the next Paddington installment was the next Paddington installment was the next Paddington installment was coming out. And all this was before the coming out. And all this was before the coming out. And all this was before the war and they were sending me signals. war and they were sending me signals. war and they were sending me signals. Would you consider voicing another Would you consider voicing another Would you consider voicing another Paddington movie? I said, well, I'd Paddington movie? I said, well, I'd Paddington movie? I said, well, I'd really love to, but I didn't. Yeah. really love to, but I didn't. Yeah. really love to, but I didn't. Yeah. No. Um, and then between 34 years old No. Um, and then between 34 years old No. Um, and then between 34 years old and 37 years old, you appeared in a and 37 years old, you appeared in a and 37 years old, you appeared in a bunch of different feature films. And bunch of different feature films. And bunch of different feature films. And most interestingly, you starred as one most interestingly, you starred as one most interestingly, you starred as one particular character, a school teacher particular character, a school teacher particular character, a school teacher who accidentally becomes president in who accidentally becomes president in who accidentally becomes president in the satirical TV series called Servant the satirical TV series called Servant the satirical TV series called Servant of of of >> of the People. >> of the People. >> of the People. >> The People. I think I have a photo. >> The People. I think I have a photo. >> The People. I think I have a photo. >> Yeah. Teacher of history. >> Yeah. Teacher of history. >> Yeah. Teacher of history. >> You've got to explain the context here >> You've got to explain the context here >> You've got to explain the context here because people can't believe that this because people can't believe that this because people can't believe that this is true. They can't believe that you is true. They can't believe that you is true. They can't believe that you actually acted as an actor who actually acted as an actor who actually acted as an actor who accidentally becomes president. And you accidentally becomes president. And you accidentally becomes president. And you must find this bizarre that you then must find this bizarre that you then must find this bizarre that you then became president because presumably at became president because presumably at became president because presumably at that time you weren't expecting to that time you weren't expecting to that time you weren't expecting to become president when you became an become president when you became an become president when you became an actor pretending to be president.

actor pretending to be president. actor pretending to be president. >> Absolutely. I definitely didn't expect >> Absolutely. I definitely didn't expect >> Absolutely. I definitely didn't expect it. Absolutely. And this idea this this it. Absolutely. And this idea this this it. Absolutely. And this idea this this idea was about 10 to 12 years old. Once idea was about 10 to 12 years old. Once idea was about 10 to 12 years old. Once um this idea came to me and I thought um this idea came to me and I thought um this idea came to me and I thought about it. I lived with this idea for a about it. I lived with this idea for a about it. I lived with this idea for a long time. I love doing that. And at long time. I love doing that. And at long time. I love doing that. And at some point the feeling was that um the some point the feeling was that um the some point the feeling was that um the world is changing, Ukraine is changing world is changing, Ukraine is changing world is changing, Ukraine is changing and right now this idea is relevant. It and right now this idea is relevant. It and right now this idea is relevant. It will resonate and people will like it. will resonate and people will like it. will resonate and people will like it. >> What was the idea? When you say the >> What was the idea? When you say the >> What was the idea? When you say the idea, idea, idea, >> the person from the people without any >> the person from the people without any >> the person from the people without any uh history, without any political uh history, without any political uh history, without any political background becomes president background becomes president background becomes president and that's how it turned out to be and that's how it turned out to be and that's how it turned out to be honest. honest. honest. So, you were playing a character in a TV So, you were playing a character in a TV So, you were playing a character in a TV series called Servant of the People, and series called Servant of the People, and series called Servant of the People, and the character was pretending to be the the character was pretending to be the the character was pretending to be the president. And you and you realize that president. And you and you realize that president. And you and you realize that actually the idea of there being a sort actually the idea of there being a sort actually the idea of there being a sort of servant of the people party or of servant of the people party or of servant of the people party or president was probably quite a good idea president was probably quite a good idea president was probably quite a good idea based on what was going on in Ukraine at based on what was going on in Ukraine at based on what was going on in Ukraine at that time. And because of the government that time. And because of the government that time. And because of the government instability at the time, you actually instability at the time, you actually instability at the time, you actually registered Servant of the People as a registered Servant of the People as a registered Servant of the People as a real political party in Ukraine.

real political party in Ukraine. real political party in Ukraine. >> Uh well, that sounds basically like a >> Uh well, that sounds basically like a >> Uh well, that sounds basically like a pretty good uh script. Uh yeah, but it pretty good uh script. Uh yeah, but it pretty good uh script. Uh yeah, but it wasn't honestly calculated like that. Uh wasn't honestly calculated like that. Uh wasn't honestly calculated like that. Uh the series was very popular. In the series was very popular. In the series was very popular. In parallel, there were a few other parallel, there were a few other parallel, there were a few other projects. We had a political satire uh projects. We had a political satire uh projects. We had a political satire uh project. Uh it was very popular. It was project. Uh it was very popular. It was project. Uh it was very popular. It was even before that series. So I already even before that series. So I already even before that series. So I already had my bearings in politics. Anyway, the had my bearings in politics. Anyway, the had my bearings in politics. Anyway, the point was that indeed um I decided to point was that indeed um I decided to point was that indeed um I decided to try my hand in this direction. And I try my hand in this direction. And I try my hand in this direction. And I really wanted after the occupation of really wanted after the occupation of really wanted after the occupation of Crimea, after the occupation of Donbas, Crimea, after the occupation of Donbas, Crimea, after the occupation of Donbas, this whole situation changed us and you this whole situation changed us and you this whole situation changed us and you and and you started to feel like and and you started to feel like and and you started to feel like something something was going wrong here something something was going wrong here something something was going wrong here a and it's war, but there still wasn't a and it's war, but there still wasn't a and it's war, but there still wasn't wasn't that feeling yet because it wasn't that feeling yet because it wasn't that feeling yet because it wasn't a full-scale war. And so I wasn't a full-scale war. And so I wasn't a full-scale war. And so I didn't want to we were doing business didn't want to we were doing business didn't want to we were doing business with Barus and with Kazakhstan and with with Barus and with Kazakhstan and with with Barus and with Kazakhstan and with Russia as well. We had offices and Russia as well. We had offices and Russia as well. We had offices and projects that we were filming and so on.

projects that we were filming and so on. projects that we were filming and so on. So uh life changed. I I want wanted to So uh life changed. I I want wanted to So uh life changed. I I want wanted to drop it all and this this sense of drop it all and this this sense of drop it all and this this sense of betrayal by Russia. betrayal by Russia. betrayal by Russia. Well, all of that happened and that's Well, all of that happened and that's Well, all of that happened and that's why and you change ch this whole period why and you change ch this whole period why and you change ch this whole period changed you as well. And so it's not changed you as well. And so it's not changed you as well. And so it's not like it was some calculated plan. The TV like it was some calculated plan. The TV like it was some calculated plan. The TV show comes out and then a political show comes out and then a political show comes out and then a political party. I know about that. I know about party. I know about that. I know about party. I know about that. I know about that. Some people might think that and that. Some people might think that and that. Some people might think that and that's fine. That's normal. People have that's fine. That's normal. People have that's fine. That's normal. People have their own opinions. That's normal. their own opinions. That's normal. their own opinions. That's normal. It coincided It coincided It coincided the mood in society coincided with my the mood in society coincided with my the mood in society coincided with my inner mood and with my determination and inner mood and with my determination and inner mood and with my determination and desire. So it's a coincidence of many desire. So it's a coincidence of many desire. So it's a coincidence of many things. things. things. There should be a button just down below There should be a button just down below There should be a button just down below here. And if it says subscribed, you're here. And if it says subscribed, you're here. And if it says subscribed, you're already subscribed. If it says already subscribed. If it says already subscribed. If it says subscriber, that means you're not yet. subscriber, that means you're not yet. subscriber, that means you're not yet. And if you're not subscribed, please And if you're not subscribed, please And if you're not subscribed, please could you do us a favor and hit that could you do us a favor and hit that could you do us a favor and hit that button? It helps the show more than you button? It helps the show more than you button? It helps the show more than you know. And according to the algorithm, know. And according to the algorithm, know. And according to the algorithm, you're someone that watches our show, you're someone that watches our show, you're someone that watches our show, but you haven't yet hit that button.

but you haven't yet hit that button. but you haven't yet hit that button. Thank you so much. Thank you so much. Thank you so much. So you you talked about how it was So you you talked about how it was So you you talked about how it was really sort of a change in the climate really sort of a change in the climate really sort of a change in the climate in Ukraine that caused you to move in Ukraine that caused you to move in Ukraine that caused you to move closer to politics because everything closer to politics because everything closer to politics because everything that was going on at the time, Russia that was going on at the time, Russia that was going on at the time, Russia invaded Crimea here in 2014. invaded Crimea here in 2014. invaded Crimea here in 2014. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um they annexed Crimea and this is and >> Um they annexed Crimea and this is and >> Um they annexed Crimea and this is and and so four years after this point you and so four years after this point you and so four years after this point you announced that you're going to run for announced that you're going to run for announced that you're going to run for president. president. president. Is this really when the war began in Is this really when the war began in Is this really when the war began in your view? Because there's been lots of your view? Because there's been lots of your view? Because there's been lots of people that have posited when the war people that have posited when the war people that have posited when the war began. Some people say the war began a began. Some people say the war began a began. Some people say the war began a thousand years ago and they talk about thousand years ago and they talk about thousand years ago and they talk about old Crimea and the everything that took old Crimea and the everything that took old Crimea and the everything that took took place there with the Roose. Um, took place there with the Roose. Um, took place there with the Roose. Um, some people say it began in 2014 and some people say it began in 2014 and some people say it began in 2014 and some people say it began in 2022. In some people say it began in 2022. In some people say it began in 2022. In your mind, when did the war begin? I your mind, when did the war begin? I your mind, when did the war begin? I think for many people that time really think for many people that time really think for many people that time really is different. But if we take take the is different. But if we take take the is different. But if we take take the new Ukraine that regained its new Ukraine that regained its new Ukraine that regained its independence in 1991 independence in 1991 independence in 1991 in the 20th century, then I think that in the 20th century, then I think that in the 20th century, then I think that in 2014, all of us just couldn't believe in 2014, all of us just couldn't believe in 2014, all of us just couldn't believe it that this kind of occupation was it that this kind of occupation was it that this kind of occupation was happening. The war really started with happening. The war really started with happening. The war really started with the occupation of Crimea.

the occupation of Crimea. the occupation of Crimea. That's true. It's just that it was slow That's true. It's just that it was slow That's true. It's just that it was slow that occupation. It didn't look much that occupation. It didn't look much that occupation. It didn't look much like a war. Why? Well, because Ukraine like a war. Why? Well, because Ukraine like a war. Why? Well, because Ukraine wasn't fighting back at that point. wasn't fighting back at that point. wasn't fighting back at that point. Meaning, when they occupied Crimea, Meaning, when they occupied Crimea, Meaning, when they occupied Crimea, there were shots fired there, of course. there were shots fired there, of course. there were shots fired there, of course. But for a very long time, Russia But for a very long time, Russia But for a very long time, Russia wouldn't admit these were its people. wouldn't admit these were its people. wouldn't admit these were its people. They looked like regular people. They They looked like regular people. They They looked like regular people. They even called them little uh green men. even called them little uh green men. even called them little uh green men. That's what they called them because you That's what they called them because you That's what they called them because you couldn't tell what that uniform was. couldn't tell what that uniform was. couldn't tell what that uniform was. Meaning these are people carrying some Meaning these are people carrying some Meaning these are people carrying some kind of weapons on the peninsula. And kind of weapons on the peninsula. And kind of weapons on the peninsula. And the problem was that there were no clear the problem was that there were no clear the problem was that there were no clear orders from the Ukrainian authorities orders from the Ukrainian authorities orders from the Ukrainian authorities that you need to defend your land that that you need to defend your land that that you need to defend your land that someone violated your borders with with someone violated your borders with with someone violated your borders with with weapons and is seizing seizing gradually weapons and is seizing seizing gradually weapons and is seizing seizing gradually seizing Crimea. So it was really that seizing Crimea. So it was really that seizing Crimea. So it was really that kind of creeping occupation. Looking at kind of creeping occupation. Looking at kind of creeping occupation. Looking at that time today, not back in 2014, not that time today, not back in 2014, not that time today, not back in 2014, not in 2015, but today, you realize that in 2015, but today, you realize that in 2015, but today, you realize that that's when the war really began. Our that's when the war really began. Our that's when the war really began. Our mistake was not pushing them back. And mistake was not pushing them back. And mistake was not pushing them back. And of course, if there have been an order, of course, if there have been an order, of course, if there have been an order, an order uh to defend the country, I'm an order uh to defend the country, I'm an order uh to defend the country, I'm sure that I think a full-scale war in sure that I think a full-scale war in sure that I think a full-scale war in the form it h it has today wouldn't have the form it h it has today wouldn't have the form it h it has today wouldn't have happened.

happened. happened. >> Well, at least that's how it seems to >> Well, at least that's how it seems to >> Well, at least that's how it seems to me. me. me. >> Um I I read that your your >> Um I I read that your your >> Um I I read that your your great-grandfather and his grandfather's great-grandfather and his grandfather's great-grandfather and his grandfather's four brothers were killed by the Nazis, four brothers were killed by the Nazis, four brothers were killed by the Nazis, and his grandfather was the only brother and his grandfather was the only brother and his grandfather was the only brother to survive the war. And I wondered how to survive the war. And I wondered how to survive the war. And I wondered how that experience of having that in your that experience of having that in your that experience of having that in your family tree has family tree has family tree has changed how you think about this moment changed how you think about this moment changed how you think about this moment in time when you're facing a war with in time when you're facing a war with in time when you're facing a war with Russia. Russia. Russia. My grandfather went through World War II My grandfather went through World War II My grandfather went through World War II from start to finish. My grandfather, my from start to finish. My grandfather, my from start to finish. My grandfather, my father's dad, and he was Yeah. from a father's dad, and he was Yeah. from a father's dad, and he was Yeah. from a family where there were several brothers family where there were several brothers family where there were several brothers and all of them were killed by the and all of them were killed by the and all of them were killed by the Nazis. I have very few relatives in Nazis. I have very few relatives in Nazis. I have very few relatives in general on both sides of my family on my general on both sides of my family on my general on both sides of my family on my father's and my mother's u many father's and my mother's u many father's and my mother's u many relatives were killed u by the fascists relatives were killed u by the fascists relatives were killed u by the fascists and that's all that's why it always and that's all that's why it always and that's all that's why it always sounded so bizarre when Russia accused sounded so bizarre when Russia accused sounded so bizarre when Russia accused us Ukraine of supposedly having Nazis.

us Ukraine of supposedly having Nazis. us Ukraine of supposedly having Nazis. It's bizarre and completely wild. If It's bizarre and completely wild. If It's bizarre and completely wild. If people uh all knew even a little bit of people uh all knew even a little bit of people uh all knew even a little bit of history, they would realize that history, they would realize that history, they would realize that fascists in Ukraine, fascism as such fascists in Ukraine, fascism as such fascists in Ukraine, fascism as such doesn't exist. Why? Because Ukraine doesn't exist. Why? Because Ukraine doesn't exist. Why? Because Ukraine understands deep in its roots what it understands deep in its roots what it understands deep in its roots what it means uh to be under the fascists. means uh to be under the fascists. means uh to be under the fascists. Because during World War II, Ukraine was Because during World War II, Ukraine was Because during World War II, Ukraine was occupied 100% completely completely occupied 100% completely completely occupied 100% completely completely totally whereas Russia Ukraine uh totally whereas Russia Ukraine uh totally whereas Russia Ukraine uh Bellarus was occupied Ukraine and Nazi Bellarus was occupied Ukraine and Nazi Bellarus was occupied Ukraine and Nazi Germany it lost a huge number of its Germany it lost a huge number of its Germany it lost a huge number of its soldiers who died specifically in soldiers who died specifically in soldiers who died specifically in Bellarus, Ukraine because we all well Bellarus, Ukraine because we all well Bellarus, Ukraine because we all well because our countries or our lands they because our countries or our lands they because our countries or our lands they stood and fought. Russia was not stood and fought. Russia was not stood and fought. Russia was not occupied and that is also uh very occupied and that is also uh very occupied and that is also uh very important to understand. That's why all important to understand. That's why all important to understand. That's why all of our people in Ukraine saw it well you of our people in Ukraine saw it well you of our people in Ukraine saw it well you know as barbaric and an outrage when know as barbaric and an outrage when know as barbaric and an outrage when Putin attacked us and said we have Putin attacked us and said we have Putin attacked us and said we have fascism and he's liberating Ukraine from fascism and he's liberating Ukraine from fascism and he's liberating Ukraine from fascists. I mean it's absurd. We fought fascists. I mean it's absurd. We fought fascists. I mean it's absurd. We fought against the fascists. We were the ones against the fascists. We were the ones against the fascists. We were the ones liberating them.

liberating them. liberating them. >> A lot of people don't have the >> A lot of people don't have the >> A lot of people don't have the historical context on how this all historical context on how this all historical context on how this all began. began. began. If if I was a 16-year-old and I had no If if I was a 16-year-old and I had no If if I was a 16-year-old and I had no understanding of geopolitics and I asked understanding of geopolitics and I asked understanding of geopolitics and I asked you president, I said, "Could you you president, I said, "Could you you president, I said, "Could you explain to me the background context explain to me the background context explain to me the background context that I need to understand to understand that I need to understand to understand that I need to understand to understand what the hell is going on at the moment? what the hell is going on at the moment? what the hell is going on at the moment? Why why are Russia going into Crimea? Why why are Russia going into Crimea? Why why are Russia going into Crimea? What is Vladimir Putin's perspective? What is Vladimir Putin's perspective? What is Vladimir Putin's perspective? Why does he think that that's okay? Why Why does he think that that's okay? Why Why does he think that that's okay? Why does he think that he can invade does he think that he can invade does he think that he can invade Ukraine? What is the historical context Ukraine? What is the historical context Ukraine? What is the historical context explained in the simplest terms to a explained in the simplest terms to a explained in the simplest terms to a 16-year-old about what the hell is going 16-year-old about what the hell is going 16-year-old about what the hell is going on here? And I'm going to give you all on here? And I'm going to give you all on here? And I'm going to give you all the time in the world to inform me. the time in the world to inform me. the time in the world to inform me. >> There was >> There was >> There was an empire called the Soviet Union. an empire called the Soviet Union. an empire called the Soviet Union. And that empire, it included a large And that empire, it included a large And that empire, it included a large number of what are now independent number of what are now independent number of what are now independent states. states. states. It's always like that with empires. It's always like that with empires. It's always like that with empires. Without getting into the historical Without getting into the historical Without getting into the historical context, everyone will understand this. context, everyone will understand this. context, everyone will understand this. It's always like that with empires. It's always like that with empires. It's always like that with empires. Empires exist for a while Empires exist for a while Empires exist for a while and then they collapse and then they collapse and then they collapse because you can only hold everything because you can only hold everything because you can only hold everything together through autocracy.

together through autocracy. together through autocracy. A territory like that so many people A territory like that so many people A territory like that so many people through tyranny through feudalism through tyranny through feudalism through tyranny through feudalism through slavery through certainly not through slavery through certainly not through slavery through certainly not through freedom. Empires don't survive through freedom. Empires don't survive through freedom. Empires don't survive on freedom. And this is very important. on freedom. And this is very important. on freedom. And this is very important. Why do empires fall apart? Because Why do empires fall apart? Because Why do empires fall apart? Because people want to be free. Because people people want to be free. Because people people want to be free. Because people compare their lives in an empire with compare their lives in an empire with compare their lives in an empire with life in other countries, even small life in other countries, even small life in other countries, even small ones. They see how things develop there. ones. They see how things develop there. ones. They see how things develop there. They see how things develop there. How They see how things develop there. How They see how things develop there. How they live, walk freely, they live, walk freely, they live, walk freely, choose any partner they want, whatever choose any partner they want, whatever choose any partner they want, whatever hair color you like, music, clothes, and hair color you like, music, clothes, and hair color you like, music, clothes, and so on. While the Soviet Union, these so on. While the Soviet Union, these so on. While the Soviet Union, these empires, like everyone always said, the empires, like everyone always said, the empires, like everyone always said, the iron curtain. Why an iron curtain? So iron curtain. Why an iron curtain? So iron curtain. Why an iron curtain? So you wouldn't see what's out there in the you wouldn't see what's out there in the you wouldn't see what's out there in the west in Europe in the United States of west in Europe in the United States of west in Europe in the United States of America in Britain or anywhere in Asia. America in Britain or anywhere in Asia. America in Britain or anywhere in Asia. So people couldn't see in terms of So people couldn't see in terms of So people couldn't see in terms of information an empire is hold information an empire is hold information an empire is hold control everything right so a complete control everything right so a complete control everything right so a complete information vacuum there you don't exist information vacuum there you don't exist information vacuum there you don't exist nothing exists no internet nothing nothing exists no internet nothing nothing exists no internet nothing television that you run and control and television that you run and control and television that you run and control and people get the information people live people get the information people live people get the information people live like fish in a fish tank that's all it like fish in a fish tank that's all it like fish in a fish tank that's all it is the fish tank can be massive like the is the fish tank can be massive like the is the fish tank can be massive like the Soviet Union but it's still a fish tank Soviet Union but it's still a fish tank Soviet Union but it's still a fish tank North Korea is a smaller fish tank, but North Korea is a smaller fish tank, but North Korea is a smaller fish tank, but it's a fish tank. And that's what it's a fish tank. And that's what it's a fish tank. And that's what happened with the Soviet Union. The happened with the Soviet Union. The happened with the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union fell apart. Countries were Soviet Union fell apart. Countries were Soviet Union fell apart. Countries were happy. Countries became independent,

happy. Countries became independent, happy. Countries became independent, smaller. Ukraine is one of those smaller. Ukraine is one of those smaller. Ukraine is one of those countries. And countries. And countries. And when identity emerges, you have your own when identity emerges, you have your own when identity emerges, you have your own language, your own music, your own language, your own music, your own language, your own music, your own clothes, and so on. What exists all clothes, and so on. What exists all clothes, and so on. What exists all around the world, it's great tourism. around the world, it's great tourism. around the world, it's great tourism. You travel to Asia, you travel to You travel to Asia, you travel to You travel to Asia, you travel to Thailand, you travel to Japan, you Thailand, you travel to Japan, you Thailand, you travel to Japan, you travel to the United States, different travel to the United States, different travel to the United States, different culture, different music, food, people, culture, different music, food, people, culture, different music, food, people, and everyone lives freely. And it's and everyone lives freely. And it's and everyone lives freely. And it's really cool to soak in another culture. really cool to soak in another culture. really cool to soak in another culture. That's the diversity. Why does an empire That's the diversity. Why does an empire That's the diversity. Why does an empire fall apart? Because it's made up of fall apart? Because it's made up of fall apart? Because it's made up of these kinds of people, nations that want these kinds of people, nations that want these kinds of people, nations that want to have their own thing. to have their own thing. to have their own thing. The Soviet Union fell apart, but The Soviet Union fell apart, but The Soviet Union fell apart, but nostalgia for the Soviet Union nostalgia for the Soviet Union nostalgia for the Soviet Union stayed with people. Putin was the stayed with people. Putin was the stayed with people. Putin was the president of Russia and he set a goal president of Russia and he set a goal president of Russia and he set a goal for himself. And he's a purely Soviet for himself. And he's a purely Soviet for himself. And he's a purely Soviet man, a very Soviet man. He was an man, a very Soviet man. He was an man, a very Soviet man. He was an intellig intelligence officer. He uh he intellig intelligence officer. He uh he intellig intelligence officer. He uh he worked in the KGB in the KGB in Germany worked in the KGB in the KGB in Germany worked in the KGB in the KGB in Germany and so on. He said, and this is his fa and so on. He said, and this is his fa and so on. He said, and this is his fa very famous phrase, that the greatest very famous phrase, that the greatest very famous phrase, that the greatest collapse of the 20th century in the collapse of the 20th century in the collapse of the 20th century in the world was the fall of the Soviet Union.

world was the fall of the Soviet Union. world was the fall of the Soviet Union. And all of that shows that Russia just And all of that shows that Russia just And all of that shows that Russia just wasn't enough for him. And he had the wasn't enough for him. And he had the wasn't enough for him. And he had the ambition to go back to that to bring ambition to go back to that to bring ambition to go back to that to bring back the empire, to bring back the back the empire, to bring back the back the empire, to bring back the Soviet Union, because he believes that Soviet Union, because he believes that Soviet Union, because he believes that another major country is to blame for another major country is to blame for another major country is to blame for the collapse of the Soviet Union. Which the collapse of the Soviet Union. Which the collapse of the Soviet Union. Which one? the United States of America one? the United States of America one? the United States of America because this has always been a because this has always been a because this has always been a geopolitical war. They're enemies, the geopolitical war. They're enemies, the geopolitical war. They're enemies, the Soviet Union and the and the United Soviet Union and the and the United Soviet Union and the and the United States of America, they were allies States of America, they were allies States of America, they were allies during World War II and after that, you during World War II and after that, you during World War II and after that, you know, they're enemies, the Cold War and know, they're enemies, the Cold War and know, they're enemies, the Cold War and so on. So, it's very simple. Putin so on. So, it's very simple. Putin so on. So, it's very simple. Putin wanted to bring back the Soviet Union. wanted to bring back the Soviet Union. wanted to bring back the Soviet Union. And what is the Soviet Union? And what is the Soviet Union? And what is the Soviet Union? It is above all Ukraine. It is above all Ukraine. It is above all Ukraine. Ukraine. It's Ukraine. Ukraine is Ukraine. It's Ukraine. Ukraine is Ukraine. It's Ukraine. Ukraine is country number two. country number two. country number two. >> Why? >> Why? >> Why? >> They called the Soviet Union a forge of >> They called the Soviet Union a forge of >> They called the Soviet Union a forge of talent. talent. talent. In Ukraine there were so many people who In Ukraine there were so many people who In Ukraine there were so many people who later led had that kind of education later led had that kind of education later led had that kind of education because there were many scientists, many because there were many scientists, many because there were many scientists, many engineers, many universities, a huge engineers, many universities, a huge engineers, many universities, a huge intelligencia. That's what they said intelligencia. That's what they said intelligencia. That's what they said that for the Soviet Union, Ukraine was that for the Soviet Union, Ukraine was that for the Soviet Union, Ukraine was the forge of talent. In other words, in the forge of talent. In other words, in the forge of talent. In other words, in other words, many people who came from other words, many people who came from other words, many people who came from Ukraine who then ran various Ukraine who then ran various Ukraine who then ran various institutions, ministries in the Soviet institutions, ministries in the Soviet institutions, ministries in the Soviet Union and so on. Meaning it's the Union and so on. Meaning it's the Union and so on. Meaning it's the intellectual part of the Soviet Union.

intellectual part of the Soviet Union. intellectual part of the Soviet Union. Ukraine was always rocket the biggest Ukraine was always rocket the biggest Ukraine was always rocket the biggest rocket manufacturing was here nuclear rocket manufacturing was here nuclear rocket manufacturing was here nuclear weapons which Ukraine handed over. A lot weapons which Ukraine handed over. A lot weapons which Ukraine handed over. A lot of things were made in UK in Ukraine. of things were made in UK in Ukraine. of things were made in UK in Ukraine. And what's the problem for Russia? And what's the problem for Russia? And what's the problem for Russia? If Ukraine becomes part of Europe and If Ukraine becomes part of Europe and If Ukraine becomes part of Europe and without the Soviet Union, Ukraine without the Soviet Union, Ukraine without the Soviet Union, Ukraine started taking gradual steps in the started taking gradual steps in the started taking gradual steps in the other direction. Meaning if Ukraine other direction. Meaning if Ukraine other direction. Meaning if Ukraine becomes part of Europe, then Russia will becomes part of Europe, then Russia will becomes part of Europe, then Russia will collapse. collapse. collapse. It will fall apart. There are many It will fall apart. There are many It will fall apart. There are many different peoples, different religions, different peoples, different religions, different peoples, different religions, entirely and simply different nation entirely and simply different nation entirely and simply different nation into many different countries. And Putin into many different countries. And Putin into many different countries. And Putin decided to piece this whole empire back decided to piece this whole empire back decided to piece this whole empire back together. This ambition, where do you together. This ambition, where do you together. This ambition, where do you start piecing it together? He start piecing it together? He start piecing it together? He started the war in Cheschna. started the war in Cheschna. started the war in Cheschna. He occupied Chichchna, a small country He occupied Chichchna, a small country He occupied Chichchna, a small country that is now part of Russia. He destroyed that is now part of Russia. He destroyed that is now part of Russia. He destroyed it completely. Everything that's it completely. Everything that's it completely. Everything that's happening in eastern Ukraine. It's the happening in eastern Ukraine. It's the happening in eastern Ukraine. It's the very same commanders, military very same commanders, military very same commanders, military commanders who fought in Cheschna who commanders who fought in Cheschna who commanders who fought in Cheschna who destroyed Cheschna completely. There was destroyed Cheschna completely. There was destroyed Cheschna completely. There was nothing left, no buildings, nothing.

nothing left, no buildings, nothing. nothing left, no buildings, nothing. People were killed. Killed. A huge People were killed. Killed. A huge People were killed. Killed. A huge number of people, by the way, were number of people, by the way, were number of people, by the way, were killed in Chichchna. And he occupied it. killed in Chichchna. And he occupied it. killed in Chichchna. And he occupied it. And then he decided to bring back the And then he decided to bring back the And then he decided to bring back the empire starting with Ukraine with a free empire starting with Ukraine with a free empire starting with Ukraine with a free state, one that wants to be in the state, one that wants to be in the state, one that wants to be in the European Union, one that is uh smart, European Union, one that is uh smart, European Union, one that is uh smart, intellectual. Other countries too, but intellectual. Other countries too, but intellectual. Other countries too, but here here's what it is. Well, and the here here's what it is. Well, and the here here's what it is. Well, and the start there always has to be a pretext start there always has to be a pretext start there always has to be a pretext to start an occupation. What pretext? to start an occupation. What pretext? to start an occupation. What pretext? It's always a pretext. The pretext is It's always a pretext. The pretext is It's always a pretext. The pretext is always language. always language. always language. And he starts with Crimea. He starts the And he starts with Crimea. He starts the And he starts with Crimea. He starts the occupation with Crimea. Why? In Crimea occupation with Crimea. Why? In Crimea occupation with Crimea. Why? In Crimea there were a lot of Russian speaking there were a lot of Russian speaking there were a lot of Russian speaking people, Russian speaking Ukrainians. But people, Russian speaking Ukrainians. But people, Russian speaking Ukrainians. But to understand this and in Crimea there to understand this and in Crimea there to understand this and in Crimea there was deportation. There was more than one was deportation. There was more than one was deportation. There was more than one deportation deportation deportation expulsion of the Tatars. In other words, expulsion of the Tatars. In other words, expulsion of the Tatars. In other words, Crimea has indigenous peoples and it's a Crimea has indigenous peoples and it's a Crimea has indigenous peoples and it's a multithnic peninsula. Uh but um what multithnic peninsula. Uh but um what multithnic peninsula. Uh but um what happened is he started the occupation happened is he started the occupation happened is he started the occupation with Crimea and with Domba with the with Crimea and with Domba with the with Crimea and with Domba with the east. Why? Because he divided society, east. Why? Because he divided society, east. Why? Because he divided society, unleashed this war based on language.

unleashed this war based on language. unleashed this war based on language. Because language is always such an Because language is always such an Because language is always such an issue, uh a painful issue. And when you issue, uh a painful issue. And when you issue, uh a painful issue. And when you want to divide society, it's totally want to divide society, it's totally want to divide society, it's totally unfair. It's totally despicable toward unfair. It's totally despicable toward unfair. It's totally despicable toward the people. You start bringing up the the people. You start bringing up the the people. You start bringing up the language issue. So he brought it up, language issue. So he brought it up, language issue. So he brought it up, said that I'm protecting Russian said that I'm protecting Russian said that I'm protecting Russian speaking people, which wasn't true. speaking people, which wasn't true. speaking people, which wasn't true. Nobody took anything from anyone. Yeah. Nobody took anything from anyone. Yeah. Nobody took anything from anyone. Yeah. But it was just easier. The east of the But it was just easier. The east of the But it was just easier. The east of the country uh borders with the Russian country uh borders with the Russian country uh borders with the Russian Federation. Federation. Federation. days before I I think it was the day days before I I think it was the day days before I I think it was the day before Vladimir Putin ordered troops to before Vladimir Putin ordered troops to before Vladimir Putin ordered troops to invade Ukraine, he did a statement where invade Ukraine, he did a statement where invade Ukraine, he did a statement where he said, "Modern Ukraine was entirely he said, "Modern Ukraine was entirely he said, "Modern Ukraine was entirely and completely created by Russia, more and completely created by Russia, more and completely created by Russia, more precisely, Bolevik, communist Russia." precisely, Bolevik, communist Russia." precisely, Bolevik, communist Russia." This process began almost immediately This process began almost immediately This process began almost immediately after the 1917 revolution. Soviet after the 1917 revolution. Soviet after the 1917 revolution. Soviet Ukraine is the result of Bolevik policy Ukraine is the result of Bolevik policy Ukraine is the result of Bolevik policy and can rightly be called Vladimir Leans and can rightly be called Vladimir Leans and can rightly be called Vladimir Leans Ukraine. Ukraine never had a tradition Ukraine. Ukraine never had a tradition Ukraine. Ukraine never had a tradition of genuine statehood. So he's very much of genuine statehood. So he's very much of genuine statehood. So he's very much denying that Ukraine is a nation of its denying that Ukraine is a nation of its denying that Ukraine is a nation of its own. Why did he choose to invade own. Why did he choose to invade own. Why did he choose to invade February 24th? Why did he choose then to February 24th? Why did he choose then to February 24th? Why did he choose then to invade? If he had invaded Crimea in invade? If he had invaded Crimea in invade? If he had invaded Crimea in 2014, why was in your view that the 2014, why was in your view that the 2014, why was in your view that the moment where he decided to cross the moment where he decided to cross the moment where he decided to cross the border and try and by the looks of it border and try and by the looks of it border and try and by the looks of it take control of the whole of Ukraine?

take control of the whole of Ukraine? take control of the whole of Ukraine? >> Um, first of all, notice he talks about >> Um, first of all, notice he talks about >> Um, first of all, notice he talks about the Soviet revolution of 1917. the Soviet revolution of 1917. the Soviet revolution of 1917. That's ridiculous to anyone. Your That's ridiculous to anyone. Your That's ridiculous to anyone. Your country's history can't start in 1917. country's history can't start in 1917. country's history can't start in 1917. In Ukraine, there are churches. Everyone In Ukraine, there are churches. Everyone In Ukraine, there are churches. Everyone knows we have very beautiful churches knows we have very beautiful churches knows we have very beautiful churches that are a thousand years old. Ukrainian that are a thousand years old. Ukrainian that are a thousand years old. Ukrainian churches painted by Ukrainians. Total churches painted by Ukrainians. Total churches painted by Ukrainians. Total master professionals. A thousand years master professionals. A thousand years master professionals. A thousand years old. Ukraine is old. Ukraine is old. Ukraine is it's the heir to Kievan Rous, a great it's the heir to Kievan Rous, a great it's the heir to Kievan Rous, a great state that was very well known in Europe state that was very well known in Europe state that was very well known in Europe on the European continent at least with on the European continent at least with on the European continent at least with an advanced civilization. an advanced civilization. an advanced civilization. Uh it really with with its own art, with Uh it really with with its own art, with Uh it really with with its own art, with its own traditions and so on. Russia its own traditions and so on. Russia its own traditions and so on. Russia wasn't even close to existing. Russia wasn't even close to existing. Russia wasn't even close to existing. Russia came after Ukraine already existed. But came after Ukraine already existed. But came after Ukraine already existed. But he cuts all that out. Starts with the he cuts all that out. Starts with the he cuts all that out. Starts with the revolution. Why? from the October revolution. Why? from the October revolution. Why? from the October Revolution of 1917 because he's talking Revolution of 1917 because he's talking Revolution of 1917 because he's talking about the history of the Soviet Union, about the history of the Soviet Union, about the history of the Soviet Union, not about the history of Russia and not not about the history of Russia and not not about the history of Russia and not about the history of Ukraine. The Soviet about the history of Ukraine. The Soviet about the history of Ukraine. The Soviet Union. Why? Because he's signaling to Union. Why? Because he's signaling to Union. Why? Because he's signaling to people who are in Russia who honestly people who are in Russia who honestly people who are in Russia who honestly the kids, they get information in the kids, they get information in the kids, they get information in schools and they take it. They don't go schools and they take it. They don't go schools and they take it. They don't go any deeper. He's signaling to them that any deeper. He's signaling to them that any deeper. He's signaling to them that their life is the Soviet Union and their life is the Soviet Union and their life is the Soviet Union and that's where we're heading back to.

that's where we're heading back to. that's where we're heading back to. That's what he's doing. He started a That's what he's doing. He started a That's what he's doing. He started a fullscale war. The war started fullscale war. The war started fullscale war. The war started 24th 24th uh of 22 February 24th. 24th 24th uh of 22 February 24th. 24th 24th uh of 22 February 24th. Missile strikes were launched Missile strikes were launched Missile strikes were launched immediately from the territory. It was immediately from the territory. It was immediately from the territory. It was flying from every every side. Troops flying from every every side. Troops flying from every every side. Troops were also entering from the territory of were also entering from the territory of were also entering from the territory of Bellarus right from here because it's Bellarus right from here because it's Bellarus right from here because it's the closest route to the capital. they the closest route to the capital. they the closest route to the capital. they were advancing on Kev and also um came were advancing on Kev and also um came were advancing on Kev and also um came from all directions. Uh they the main from all directions. Uh they the main from all directions. Uh they the main goal was to seize goal was to seize goal was to seize the capital of Ukraine. That was their the capital of Ukraine. That was their the capital of Ukraine. That was their main goal. Naturally, they were counting main goal. Naturally, they were counting main goal. Naturally, they were counting on the tough guys who were both Russian on the tough guys who were both Russian on the tough guys who were both Russian and the separatists already in the and the separatists already in the and the separatists already in the occupied uh in the occupied territory of occupied uh in the occupied territory of occupied uh in the occupied territory of Donbas. Donbas. Donbas. >> Why? Why in February 2022? Why not >> Why? Why in February 2022? Why not >> Why? Why in February 2022? Why not later? Why not sooner? Why was that the later? Why not sooner? Why was that the later? Why not sooner? Why was that the moment? What had happened that you know moment? What had happened that you know moment? What had happened that you know because I I part of the reason I asked because I I part of the reason I asked because I I part of the reason I asked this question is because President this question is because President this question is because President Donald Trump often blames Joe Biden for Donald Trump often blames Joe Biden for Donald Trump often blames Joe Biden for being weak and that giving Vladimir being weak and that giving Vladimir being weak and that giving Vladimir Putin an opportunity to invade because Putin an opportunity to invade because Putin an opportunity to invade because he didn't respect President Biden.

he didn't respect President Biden. he didn't respect President Biden. That's what's claimed. Is there truth in That's what's claimed. Is there truth in That's what's claimed. Is there truth in that? that? that? >> I'll explain. I think that um it was a >> I'll explain. I think that um it was a >> I'll explain. I think that um it was a little bit earlier. Um in 21 little bit earlier. Um in 21 little bit earlier. Um in 21 uh there was a summit. I don't remember uh there was a summit. I don't remember uh there was a summit. I don't remember when anymore. I think I don't remember. when anymore. I think I don't remember. when anymore. I think I don't remember. There was a Biden Putin summit. Remember There was a Biden Putin summit. Remember There was a Biden Putin summit. Remember that famous summit? We didn't have all that famous summit? We didn't have all that famous summit? We didn't have all the details. They came out and started the details. They came out and started the details. They came out and started talking about something uh publicly and talking about something uh publicly and talking about something uh publicly and so on. so on. so on. Then rumors started that they discussed Then rumors started that they discussed Then rumors started that they discussed the issue of a possible escalation the issue of a possible escalation the issue of a possible escalation against Ukraine against Ukraine against Ukraine and we kept bringing up this issue over and we kept bringing up this issue over and we kept bringing up this issue over the next few months. We kept bringing it the next few months. We kept bringing it the next few months. We kept bringing it up with the Americans uh and this could up with the Americans uh and this could up with the Americans uh and this could really happen and they were saying well really happen and they were saying well really happen and they were saying well it could happen. We asked them then it could happen. We asked them then it could happen. We asked them then please give us what we need to defend please give us what we need to defend please give us what we need to defend ourselves if there are such risks that ourselves if there are such risks that ourselves if there are such risks that some kind of occupation could start. We some kind of occupation could start. We some kind of occupation could start. We couldn't imagine though that fullscale couldn't imagine though that fullscale couldn't imagine though that fullscale invasion would start because we saw what invasion would start because we saw what invasion would start because we saw what Russian occupation looked like with Russian occupation looked like with Russian occupation looked like with Crimea and with um Donetsk and Luhansk Crimea and with um Donetsk and Luhansk Crimea and with um Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts. So you imagined it differently.

oblasts. So you imagined it differently. oblasts. So you imagined it differently. You couldn't imagine that overnight You couldn't imagine that overnight You couldn't imagine that overnight missiles would just start flying. Nobody missiles would just start flying. Nobody missiles would just start flying. Nobody had ever seen anything like that. Why had ever seen anything like that. Why had ever seen anything like that. Why were kids screaming? Why were people were kids screaming? Why were people were kids screaming? Why were people fleeing? Why was there absolute chaos? fleeing? Why was there absolute chaos? fleeing? Why was there absolute chaos? Those were hor absolutely horrifying Those were hor absolutely horrifying Those were hor absolutely horrifying moments because missiles are literally moments because missiles are literally moments because missiles are literally flying at you. Nowadays, a thousand flying at you. Nowadays, a thousand flying at you. Nowadays, a thousand drones fly in and we shoot them down. We drones fly in and we shoot them down. We drones fly in and we shoot them down. We fight. But back then, right around 4:00 fight. But back then, right around 4:00 fight. But back then, right around 4:00 in the morning, missiles were raining in the morning, missiles were raining in the morning, missiles were raining down on your head. Everyone was in down on your head. Everyone was in down on your head. Everyone was in shock. So, he did it in February because shock. So, he did it in February because shock. So, he did it in February because that's what he wanted to do. That was that's what he wanted to do. That was that's what he wanted to do. That was his his plan. I think he told Biden a his his plan. I think he told Biden a his his plan. I think he told Biden a whole lot of things. I remember whole lot of things. I remember whole lot of things. I remember unfortunately I think unfortunately unfortunately I think unfortunately unfortunately I think unfortunately President Biden stepped in later um in President Biden stepped in later um in President Biden stepped in later um in in the first uh minutes or days of the in the first uh minutes or days of the in the first uh minutes or days of the war. I I had a call with him back then war. I I had a call with him back then war. I I had a call with him back then when he offered to evacuate me back then when he offered to evacuate me back then when he offered to evacuate me back then a lot of people offered me help. I said a lot of people offered me help. I said a lot of people offered me help. I said give us weapons, help us defend uh the give us weapons, help us defend uh the give us weapons, help us defend uh the country. And I think they realized that country. And I think they realized that country. And I think they realized that it's impossible to occupy us.

it's impossible to occupy us. it's impossible to occupy us. That's what I think think happened. I That's what I think think happened. I That's what I think think happened. I think that um uh the United States back think that um uh the United States back think that um uh the United States back then um I don't know, maybe they did then um I don't know, maybe they did then um I don't know, maybe they did consider that it could turn out that uh consider that it could turn out that uh consider that it could turn out that uh there'd be a conflict and we might be there'd be a conflict and we might be there'd be a conflict and we might be occupied, but nobody counted on us occupied, but nobody counted on us occupied, but nobody counted on us holding out for sure. I remember that uh holding out for sure. I remember that uh holding out for sure. I remember that uh I think a day before. God, that was so I think a day before. God, that was so I think a day before. God, that was so long ago. I've forgotten so much long ago. I've forgotten so much long ago. I've forgotten so much already. A day before the invasion, the already. A day before the invasion, the already. A day before the invasion, the Europeans who knew less than the Europeans who knew less than the Europeans who knew less than the Americans, they were talking with Putin Americans, they were talking with Putin Americans, they were talking with Putin and Putin promised them there wouldn't and Putin promised them there wouldn't and Putin promised them there wouldn't be an invasion. Oh, he lied to all of be an invasion. Oh, he lied to all of be an invasion. Oh, he lied to all of them back then. Just he knew there would them back then. Just he knew there would them back then. Just he knew there would be an invasion. He knew everything. be an invasion. He knew everything. be an invasion. He knew everything. When did you first get a phone call When did you first get a phone call When did you first get a phone call telling you that telling you that telling you that Russia were planning to invade Ukraine? Russia were planning to invade Ukraine? Russia were planning to invade Ukraine? How many days before it happened did you How many days before it happened did you How many days before it happened did you get that call? And who was the the call get that call? And who was the the call get that call? And who was the the call from? from? from? >> It it was never direct like Russia plans >> It it was never direct like Russia plans >> It it was never direct like Russia plans an invasion on such and such day and an invasion on such and such day and an invasion on such and such day and there will be a full-scale war like this there will be a full-scale war like this there will be a full-scale war like this and that. It was never like that. These and that. It was never like that. These and that. It was never like that. These were very cautious diplomatic signals were very cautious diplomatic signals were very cautious diplomatic signals and so on and this uh how can I put it?

and so on and this uh how can I put it? and so on and this uh how can I put it? We kept bringing up this issue. Why? We kept bringing up this issue. Why? We kept bringing up this issue. Why? because people were worried and people because people were worried and people because people were worried and people were worried that affected the economy were worried that affected the economy were worried that affected the economy and affected the currency and the and affected the currency and the and affected the currency and the stability of the national currency stability of the national currency stability of the national currency started to drop which affected the started to drop which affected the started to drop which affected the country's economy and we asked the country's economy and we asked the country's economy and we asked the Americans give us a clear signal if you Americans give us a clear signal if you Americans give us a clear signal if you believe this is war then give us weapons believe this is war then give us weapons believe this is war then give us weapons urgently urgently urgently everything you can give because well everything you can give because well everything you can give because well that's what our um dialogue was like that's what our um dialogue was like that's what our um dialogue was like yeah well but nobody would would give yeah well but nobody would would give yeah well but nobody would would give anything. And I asked impose sanctions. anything. And I asked impose sanctions. anything. And I asked impose sanctions. That's something everybody in Europe That's something everybody in Europe That's something everybody in Europe knew about. They knew. I asked President knew about. They knew. I asked President knew about. They knew. I asked President Biden, impose sanctions on Russia now Biden, impose sanctions on Russia now Biden, impose sanctions on Russia now preemptively. If you know there could be preemptively. If you know there could be preemptively. If you know there could be an invasion, impose sanctions. We other an invasion, impose sanctions. We other an invasion, impose sanctions. We other and then he won't go in if he's really and then he won't go in if he's really and then he won't go in if he's really decided to. But President Biden said decided to. But President Biden said decided to. But President Biden said we'll impose sanctions if there's an we'll impose sanctions if there's an we'll impose sanctions if there's an invasion. postfactum, not preemptive invasion. postfactum, not preemptive invasion. postfactum, not preemptive sanctions, but postfactum.

sanctions, but postfactum. sanctions, but postfactum. I'm not God to judge uh a president, but I'm not God to judge uh a president, but I'm not God to judge uh a president, but I believe that was a mistake in my view. I believe that was a mistake in my view. I believe that was a mistake in my view. >> Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, >> Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, >> Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, but in October 2021, the director of but in October 2021, the director of but in October 2021, the director of national intelligence and CIA director national intelligence and CIA director national intelligence and CIA director briefed US leadership and top NATO briefed US leadership and top NATO briefed US leadership and top NATO allies that Putin was making concrete allies that Putin was making concrete allies that Putin was making concrete plans for a multiffront invasion. and plans for a multiffront invasion. and plans for a multiffront invasion. and European media published satellite European media published satellite European media published satellite imagery showing a 100,000 Russian imagery showing a 100,000 Russian imagery showing a 100,000 Russian troops, tanks, and field hospitals that troops, tanks, and field hospitals that troops, tanks, and field hospitals that had started to emerge. And CIA director had started to emerge. And CIA director had started to emerge. And CIA director flew to Moscow to warn Putin directly flew to Moscow to warn Putin directly flew to Moscow to warn Putin directly against invading in November 2021. Then against invading in November 2021. Then against invading in November 2021. Then in December 2021, the US government took in December 2021, the US government took in December 2021, the US government took the rare step of declassifying the rare step of declassifying the rare step of declassifying intelligent maps and troop estimates, intelligent maps and troop estimates, intelligent maps and troop estimates, predicting an invasion force of up to predicting an invasion force of up to predicting an invasion force of up to 175,000 troops to prevent Russia from 175,000 troops to prevent Russia from 175,000 troops to prevent Russia from using a false flag operation as a using a false flag operation as a using a false flag operation as a pretext. And then in late January, early pretext. And then in late January, early pretext. And then in late January, early February 2021, the US National Security February 2021, the US National Security February 2021, the US National Security Adviser publicly warned that an invasion Adviser publicly warned that an invasion Adviser publicly warned that an invasion could begin at any time, urging foreign could begin at any time, urging foreign could begin at any time, urging foreign citizens to evacuate Ukraine. And then citizens to evacuate Ukraine. And then citizens to evacuate Ukraine. And then on February 24th, 2022, Russia launched on February 24th, 2022, Russia launched on February 24th, 2022, Russia launched a fullscale invasion.

a fullscale invasion. a fullscale invasion. >> And they launched the invasion from >> And they launched the invasion from >> And they launched the invasion from multiple sides. multiple sides. multiple sides. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Really with the focus on Kiev. >> Really with the focus on Kiev. >> Really with the focus on Kiev. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Can you remember where you were when you >> Can you remember where you were when you >> Can you remember where you were when you realized that they had crossed realized that they had crossed realized that they had crossed >> multiple borders of Ukraine at the same >> multiple borders of Ukraine at the same >> multiple borders of Ukraine at the same time? I'm I want to if I was a fly on time? I'm I want to if I was a fly on time? I'm I want to if I was a fly on the wall in whatever room you were in, the wall in whatever room you were in, the wall in whatever room you were in, wherever you were, what would I have wherever you were, what would I have wherever you were, what would I have seen? Where were you? How did you find seen? Where were you? How did you find seen? Where were you? How did you find out? out? out? First of all, I'd like you to know that First of all, I'd like you to know that First of all, I'd like you to know that in Bellarus, the Russians were in Bellarus, the Russians were in Bellarus, the Russians were conducting drills, training. These were conducting drills, training. These were conducting drills, training. These were annual drills. That's very important annual drills. That's very important annual drills. That's very important because when we talked to our partners because when we talked to our partners because when we talked to our partners and they uh briefed, like you're saying, and they uh briefed, like you're saying, and they uh briefed, like you're saying, folks from NATO and so on, nobody fully folks from NATO and so on, nobody fully folks from NATO and so on, nobody fully believed it. Why? Because everybody said believed it. Why? Because everybody said believed it. Why? Because everybody said they were just saber rattler. they were just saber rattler. they were just saber rattler. Putin was intentionally trying to scare Putin was intentionally trying to scare Putin was intentionally trying to scare everyone. He wouldn't launch an everyone. He wouldn't launch an everyone. He wouldn't launch an invasion. What I just told you, European invasion. What I just told you, European invasion. What I just told you, European leaders called him. He said, "I won't leaders called him. He said, "I won't leaders called him. He said, "I won't invade." He had exercises in Barus, invade." He had exercises in Barus, invade." He had exercises in Barus, military exercises. On top of that, our military exercises. On top of that, our military exercises. On top of that, our defense minister was invited there to defense minister was invited there to defense minister was invited there to these exercises and he was there. Just these exercises and he was there. Just these exercises and he was there. Just so you understand.

so you understand. so you understand. Imagine that. He went there, came back Imagine that. He went there, came back Imagine that. He went there, came back and so on. And then the full-scale uh and so on. And then the full-scale uh and so on. And then the full-scale uh invasion started from multiple invasion started from multiple invasion started from multiple directions. And what the Europeans said, directions. And what the Europeans said, directions. And what the Europeans said, echoing my messages, was impose echoing my messages, was impose echoing my messages, was impose sanctions and give weapons to the sanctions and give weapons to the sanctions and give weapons to the Ukrainians. If you know an invasion is Ukrainians. If you know an invasion is Ukrainians. If you know an invasion is coming, the Americans didn't do that. coming, the Americans didn't do that. coming, the Americans didn't do that. They didn't give them and didn't impose They didn't give them and didn't impose They didn't give them and didn't impose sanctions. And that's why everyone had sanctions. And that's why everyone had sanctions. And that's why everyone had doubts. Everyone thought the Russians doubts. Everyone thought the Russians doubts. Everyone thought the Russians were just bluffing. Why? because he were just bluffing. Why? because he were just bluffing. Why? because he wanted to push us into the Minsk wanted to push us into the Minsk wanted to push us into the Minsk agreements and so on so that we'd give agreements and so on so that we'd give agreements and so on so that we'd give them Donbas and recognize Donbas as not them Donbas and recognize Donbas as not them Donbas and recognize Donbas as not Ukraine and also recognize Crimea as not Ukraine and also recognize Crimea as not Ukraine and also recognize Crimea as not Ukraine. That's what in other words that Ukraine. That's what in other words that Ukraine. That's what in other words that was the format of pressure but what was the format of pressure but what was the format of pressure but what happened happened. happened happened. happened happened. >> What did you believe? >> What did you believe? >> What did you believe? >> I didn't think there would be a >> I didn't think there would be a >> I didn't think there would be a full-scale invasion and so on. that we full-scale invasion and so on. that we full-scale invasion and so on. that we give them Donbas and recognize as not give them Donbas and recognize as not give them Donbas and recognize as not Ukraine and also recognize Crimea as not Ukraine and also recognize Crimea as not Ukraine and also recognize Crimea as not Ukraine. That's what in other words that Ukraine. That's what in other words that Ukraine. That's what in other words that was the form of pressure but what was the form of pressure but what was the form of pressure but what happened happened. I didn't think there happened happened. I didn't think there happened happened. I didn't think there would be a full scale invasion. I didn't would be a full scale invasion. I didn't would be a full scale invasion. I didn't think so because I believe that if think so because I believe that if think so because I believe that if people know there's going to be a people know there's going to be a people know there's going to be a full-scale invasion partners and so on full-scale invasion partners and so on full-scale invasion partners and so on and they don't take preemptive steps.

and they don't take preemptive steps. and they don't take preemptive steps. Don't sit him down at the table. Don't Don't sit him down at the table. Don't Don't sit him down at the table. Don't tell him are you out of your mind? Have tell him are you out of your mind? Have tell him are you out of your mind? Have you lost your mind to wage war in the you lost your mind to wage war in the you lost your mind to wage war in the 20th century to kill people? you were 20th century to kill people? you were 20th century to kill people? you were completely unhinged. completely unhinged. completely unhinged. But even so, a full-scale invasion But even so, a full-scale invasion But even so, a full-scale invasion happened and just and they approached happened and just and they approached happened and just and they approached Kevly, like really quickly. like really quickly. I mean, it was just it was well an I mean, it was just it was well an I mean, it was just it was well an avalanche. And I was I was with my avalanche. And I was I was with my avalanche. And I was I was with my family family family and I was with my family. I got a call and I was with my family. I got a call and I was with my family. I got a call from the office saying that before that from the office saying that before that from the office saying that before that during the night uh missiles were flying during the night uh missiles were flying during the night uh missiles were flying missiles. I got ready told my wife told missiles. I got ready told my wife told missiles. I got ready told my wife told the kids told them the war has started the kids told them the war has started the kids told them the war has started and I went to the office. I arrived at and I went to the office. I arrived at and I went to the office. I arrived at the office. I was the first or second the office. I was the first or second the office. I was the first or second the second person I think in the office the second person I think in the office the second person I think in the office and I called everyone in and we started and I called everyone in and we started and I called everyone in and we started uh uh uh started the work day. Such a terrible started the work day. Such a terrible started the work day. Such a terrible work day. The first one during the work day. The first one during the work day. The first one during the full-scale war.

full-scale war. full-scale war. >> What did your wife say? >> What did your wife say? >> What did your wife say? >> I don't remember. >> I don't remember. >> I don't remember. I It was very fast. Everything happened I It was very fast. Everything happened I It was very fast. Everything happened so fast. I told my wife, "Wake up so fast. I told my wife, "Wake up so fast. I told my wife, "Wake up quickly. The war has started. I I love quickly. The war has started. I I love quickly. The war has started. I I love you. I'll call you. And ran up. you. I'll call you. And ran up. you. I'll call you. And ran up. >> And life has not been the same since. >> And life has not been the same since. >> And life has not been the same since. >> Absolutely. It's just a different life. >> Absolutely. It's just a different life. >> Absolutely. It's just a different life. Everything is different. Everything's Everything is different. Everything's Everything is different. Everything's different. 100%. When I was doing my research on that day When I was doing my research on that day when Russia invaded, what I couldn't when Russia invaded, what I couldn't when Russia invaded, what I couldn't believe is just the the volume of troops believe is just the the volume of troops believe is just the the volume of troops that rolled across the border. I read that rolled across the border. I read that rolled across the border. I read one thing that said there was 65 one thing that said there was 65 one thing that said there was 65 kilometers of armored vehicles and kilometers of armored vehicles and kilometers of armored vehicles and troops on one particular road as they troops on one particular road as they troops on one particular road as they tried to take Kiev. Um, I want to talk tried to take Kiev. Um, I want to talk tried to take Kiev. Um, I want to talk about that, but I I just I really want about that, but I I just I really want about that, but I I just I really want to also get an answer to this sort of to also get an answer to this sort of to also get an answer to this sort of outstanding question in my head, which outstanding question in my head, which outstanding question in my head, which is Trump has repeatedly said probably a is Trump has repeatedly said probably a is Trump has repeatedly said probably a hundred times now that this never would hundred times now that this never would hundred times now that this never would have begun. It never would have happened have begun. It never would have happened have begun. It never would have happened if he was president. Do you believe if he was president. Do you believe if he was president. Do you believe that?

I think that no, nobody knows the I think that no, nobody knows the answer, honestly. answer, honestly. answer, honestly. Um, the fact remains that this happened the fact remains that this happened during Biden's presidency. during Biden's presidency. during Biden's presidency. That's a fact. It's a fact that this That's a fact. It's a fact that this That's a fact. It's a fact that this didn't happen under Trump. A fact. didn't happen under Trump. A fact. didn't happen under Trump. A fact. But it's also a fact that Putin But it's also a fact that Putin But it's also a fact that Putin chose the moment for chose the moment for chose the moment for a full occupation. That's also a fact. a full occupation. That's also a fact. a full occupation. That's also a fact. I think Trump had a special relationship I think Trump had a special relationship I think Trump had a special relationship with Putin and still does. And maybe with Putin and still does. And maybe with Putin and still does. And maybe uh it really is possible that uh it really is possible that uh it really is possible that um Trump being on friendly terms with um Trump being on friendly terms with um Trump being on friendly terms with Putin could have prevented a fullscale Putin could have prevented a fullscale Putin could have prevented a fullscale invasion. But one thing you have to know invasion. But one thing you have to know invasion. But one thing you have to know for sure, neither I nor Trump, we we're for sure, neither I nor Trump, we we're for sure, neither I nor Trump, we we're not eternal in these presidential seats. not eternal in these presidential seats. not eternal in these presidential seats. And so either way, Trump's presidency And so either way, Trump's presidency And so either way, Trump's presidency would have ended and Putin still uh would have ended and Putin still uh would have ended and Putin still uh wouldn't have been able to change his wouldn't have been able to change his wouldn't have been able to change his main goal, the occupation of Ukraine. So main goal, the occupation of Ukraine. So main goal, the occupation of Ukraine. So I think that honestly it doesn't matter I think that honestly it doesn't matter I think that honestly it doesn't matter who um the president is as long as Putin who um the president is as long as Putin who um the president is as long as Putin is there.

is there. is there. On February the 24th, when Russia On February the 24th, when Russia On February the 24th, when Russia invaded Ukraine, it is reported that invaded Ukraine, it is reported that invaded Ukraine, it is reported that they sent there's different numbers, but they sent there's different numbers, but they sent there's different numbers, but some of the numbers go up to 200,000 some of the numbers go up to 200,000 some of the numbers go up to 200,000 troops that were assembled across the troops that were assembled across the troops that were assembled across the Ukrainian border. It varies between Ukrainian border. It varies between Ukrainian border. It varies between 150,000 190,000. And when I look at the 150,000 190,000. And when I look at the 150,000 190,000. And when I look at the total active number of troops in Ukraine total active number of troops in Ukraine total active number of troops in Ukraine at the time, it's almost the same at the time, it's almost the same at the time, it's almost the same number. So, it's almost as if Russia number. So, it's almost as if Russia number. So, it's almost as if Russia deployed the full size of the the number deployed the full size of the the number deployed the full size of the the number of active duty personnel you had into of active duty personnel you had into of active duty personnel you had into Ukraine to attack Ukraine and Ukraine to attack Ukraine and Ukraine to attack Ukraine and specifically to take Kiev. specifically to take Kiev. specifically to take Kiev. Can you can you just explain to me in Can you can you just explain to me in Can you can you just explain to me in simple terms how they staged that simple terms how they staged that simple terms how they staged that attack? You said that some troops came attack? You said that some troops came attack? You said that some troops came in from Barus. There was uh support that in from Barus. There was uh support that in from Barus. There was uh support that came in trying to take Kiev as well. I came in trying to take Kiev as well. I came in trying to take Kiev as well. I think think think >> uh they knew that our main forces >> uh they knew that our main forces >> uh they knew that our main forces uh our main forces were in the east of uh our main forces were in the east of uh our main forces were in the east of our country. Donetsk and Luhansk our country. Donetsk and Luhansk our country. Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Yes. Donetsk Luhansk region. regions. Yes. Donetsk Luhansk region. regions. Yes. Donetsk Luhansk region. Why were uh Donetsk Luhansk regions Why were uh Donetsk Luhansk regions Why were uh Donetsk Luhansk regions where our main units were? Look there is where our main units were? Look there is where our main units were? Look there is Khib which was also their target. Look Khib which was also their target. Look Khib which was also their target. Look this whole all this all this whole part this whole all this all this whole part this whole all this all this whole part marupo which was very important to them marupo which was very important to them marupo which was very important to them donk which was already occupied and so donk which was already occupied and so donk which was already occupied and so on. So uh what was the bottom line?

on. So uh what was the bottom line? on. So uh what was the bottom line? Because when part of it was occupied Because when part of it was occupied Because when part of it was occupied when Doness was occupied look Makayak when Doness was occupied look Makayak when Doness was occupied look Makayak all of that was uh after the occupation all of that was uh after the occupation all of that was uh after the occupation of Crimea all of this was occupied this of Crimea all of this was occupied this of Crimea all of this was occupied this entire part the very strong troops were entire part the very strong troops were entire part the very strong troops were stationed here strong both in terms of stationed here strong both in terms of stationed here strong both in terms of numbers and strength and the separatists numbers and strength and the separatists numbers and strength and the separatists and they uh were fighting against us. and they uh were fighting against us. and they uh were fighting against us. Meaning you have to understand these are Meaning you have to understand these are Meaning you have to understand these are people who considered the homeland. people who considered the homeland. people who considered the homeland. These aren't just Russians. These are These aren't just Russians. These are These aren't just Russians. These are separatists. So they were both separatists. So they were both separatists. So they were both separatists and Russians here. So this separatists and Russians here. So this separatists and Russians here. So this was their strongest grouping. And our was their strongest grouping. And our was their strongest grouping. And our strongest grouping was stationed right strongest grouping was stationed right strongest grouping was stationed right here. here. here. And that was and that and that was And that was and that and that was And that was and that and that was constantly. They were here. They were constantly. They were here. They were constantly. They were here. They were stationed right here. Why were they why stationed right here. Why were they why stationed right here. Why were they why were they uh stationed here? Because were they uh stationed here? Because were they uh stationed here? Because they were holding back the strongest they were holding back the strongest they were holding back the strongest Russian grouping so it wouldn't break Russian grouping so it wouldn't break Russian grouping so it wouldn't break through. through. through. And And And nobody expected that they would go nobody expected that they would go nobody expected that they would go through Bellarus and advance on the through Bellarus and advance on the through Bellarus and advance on the capital. And that's why we didn't have capital. And that's why we didn't have capital. And that's why we didn't have any strong troops here. That is an any strong troops here. That is an any strong troops here. That is an absolute fact. We simply didn't have absolute fact. We simply didn't have absolute fact. We simply didn't have that kind of army. The entire Ukrainian that kind of army. The entire Ukrainian that kind of army. The entire Ukrainian army was well, excuse me, it was later I army was well, excuse me, it was later I army was well, excuse me, it was later I changed the law to make it 200,000 plus changed the law to make it 200,000 plus changed the law to make it 200,000 plus up to 250. But before that, it was an up to 250. But before that, it was an up to 250. But before that, it was an even smaller force. And just imagine even smaller force. And just imagine even smaller force. And just imagine 200,000 people are coming at you. Well, 200,000 people are coming at you. Well, 200,000 people are coming at you. Well, it's simply impossible to defend. You it's simply impossible to defend. You it's simply impossible to defend. You need an army like the one we have today, need an army like the one we have today, need an army like the one we have today, 800,000, which was actually the main

800,000, which was actually the main 800,000, which was actually the main problem for the Russians troops problem for the Russians troops problem for the Russians troops when we they couldn't take our capital. when we they couldn't take our capital. when we they couldn't take our capital. We held out and destroyed them. We held out and destroyed them. We held out and destroyed them. They They They couldn't they didn't have enough troops couldn't they didn't have enough troops couldn't they didn't have enough troops to hold the occupied territories here. to hold the occupied territories here. to hold the occupied territories here. and they had to pull back. We were and they had to pull back. We were and they had to pull back. We were hitting them and they were pulling back. hitting them and they were pulling back. hitting them and they were pulling back. And that's how we fully took back Kiev And that's how we fully took back Kiev And that's how we fully took back Kiev region, Cherney region and that whole region, Cherney region and that whole region, Cherney region and that whole front. We completely restored it and front. We completely restored it and front. We completely restored it and pushed them out entirely. So it's pushed them out entirely. So it's pushed them out entirely. So it's completely obvious they just didn't have completely obvious they just didn't have completely obvious they just didn't have enough troops. enough troops. enough troops. Just like at first when they pushed in, Just like at first when they pushed in, Just like at first when they pushed in, we didn't have a strong army here. We we didn't have a strong army here. We we didn't have a strong army here. We didn't have enough troops. And later the didn't have enough troops. And later the didn't have enough troops. And later the same happened to them. Naturally, when same happened to them. Naturally, when same happened to them. Naturally, when the full-scale invasion started, we uh the full-scale invasion started, we uh the full-scale invasion started, we uh there was mobilization and people there there was mobilization and people there there was mobilization and people there were lines. People showed up as were lines. People showed up as were lines. People showed up as volunteers and our army grew from volunteers and our army grew from volunteers and our army grew from 200,000 to an army of 800,000. While the 200,000 to an army of 800,000. While the 200,000 to an army of 800,000. While the Russian presence was around, by the way, Russian presence was around, by the way, Russian presence was around, by the way, the Russian presence was um around the Russian presence was um around the Russian presence was um around 700 probably at that moment around 700 probably at that moment around 700 probably at that moment around 700,000 across all directions on 700,000 across all directions on 700,000 across all directions on Ukrainian territory.

Ukrainian territory. Ukrainian territory. Meaning this was a massive onslaught Meaning this was a massive onslaught Meaning this was a massive onslaught coming in. A massive onslaught. coming in. A massive onslaught. coming in. A massive onslaught. >> There's um in late February satellite >> There's um in late February satellite >> There's um in late February satellite imagery captured a massive 64 km which imagery captured a massive 64 km which imagery captured a massive 64 km which is 40 m long Russian military convoy. is 40 m long Russian military convoy. is 40 m long Russian military convoy. >> Yeah. It was terrifying footage. Yeah. >> Yeah. It was terrifying footage. Yeah. >> Yeah. It was terrifying footage. Yeah. Of that Of that Of that >> backed up along a single highway leading >> backed up along a single highway leading >> backed up along a single highway leading to Kiev. And when you see 64 kilometers to Kiev. And when you see 64 kilometers to Kiev. And when you see 64 kilometers of military military vehicles and of military military vehicles and of military military vehicles and armored vehicles heading to one city and armored vehicles heading to one city and armored vehicles heading to one city and then you hear that they failed to take then you hear that they failed to take then you hear that they failed to take that city, the question like that city, the question like that city, the question like how how how how how how um they captured by the way the um they captured by the way the um they captured by the way the Chernobyl nuclear plant where the Chernobyl nuclear plant where the Chernobyl nuclear plant where the disaster happened. All of that was disaster happened. All of that was disaster happened. All of that was occupied. That whole route was occupied. occupied. That whole route was occupied. occupied. That whole route was occupied. They occupied it and blockaded Kev. How They occupied it and blockaded Kev. How They occupied it and blockaded Kev. How did we People stepped up. people went to did we People stepped up. people went to did we People stepped up. people went to mobilize. Yes. A huge number on the mobilize. Yes. A huge number on the mobilize. Yes. A huge number on the first day we we first day we we first day we we left left left uh left the country uh left the country uh left the country headed toward western Ukraine, the headed toward western Ukraine, the headed toward western Ukraine, the western part of our country. They left, western part of our country. They left, western part of our country. They left, but a lot of people stayed, but a lot of people stayed, but a lot of people stayed, mobilized, mobilized, mobilized, and we we brought up our troops and we we brought up our troops and we we brought up our troops and started fighting them day after day.

We pushed back harder. They cut off our We pushed back harder. They cut off our food, cut off our water, cut everything food, cut off our water, cut everything food, cut off our water, cut everything off completely. So that was their that off completely. So that was their that off completely. So that was their that was their mission. They expected people was their mission. They expected people was their mission. They expected people to run and me and certain people came to to run and me and certain people came to to run and me and certain people came to me and they said Kiev is cut off and me and they said Kiev is cut off and me and they said Kiev is cut off and Kiev is surrounded and the Russians are Kiev is surrounded and the Russians are Kiev is surrounded and the Russians are suggesting you hand over your powers and suggesting you hand over your powers and suggesting you hand over your powers and and that's it. meaning Kiev m must and that's it. meaning Kiev m must and that's it. meaning Kiev m must surrender surrender surrender uh naturally I told those people where uh naturally I told those people where uh naturally I told those people where to go uh let's put it that way uh out of to go uh let's put it that way uh out of to go uh let's put it that way uh out of my office and then as you know uh my office and then as you know uh my office and then as you know uh leaders were calling offering to leaders were calling offering to leaders were calling offering to evacuate before all the roads were evacuate before all the roads were evacuate before all the roads were blocked blocked blocked uh to get out of Kiev. uh to get out of Kiev. uh to get out of Kiev. >> Who called you and asked you if you >> Who called you and asked you if you >> Who called you and asked you if you wanted to be evacuated and did they make wanted to be evacuated and did they make wanted to be evacuated and did they make you an offer to evacuate you themselves? you an offer to evacuate you themselves? you an offer to evacuate you themselves? Biden. Biden. Biden. >> Joe Biden asked you if you wanted to be >> Joe Biden asked you if you wanted to be >> Joe Biden asked you if you wanted to be evacuated. evacuated. evacuated. >> He was the first. The first. >> He was the first. The first. >> He was the first. The first. >> What did he say?

>> What did he say? >> What did he say? >> We are ready to help you evacuate >> We are ready to help you evacuate >> We are ready to help you evacuate because because because uh naturally well the invasion Kiev is uh naturally well the invasion Kiev is uh naturally well the invasion Kiev is surrounded and you we are ready to help surrounded and you we are ready to help surrounded and you we are ready to help you you and your family. Uh likewise you you and your family. Uh likewise you you and your family. Uh likewise many Europeans offered me that later. many Europeans offered me that later. many Europeans offered me that later. Several Europeans uh and people uh Several Europeans uh and people uh Several Europeans uh and people uh around me as well. Let's say people around me as well. Let's say people around me as well. Let's say people around me from our political circle also around me from our political circle also around me from our political circle also suggested yeah doing all that. suggested yeah doing all that. suggested yeah doing all that. >> What did you say to Biden? >> I I need ammunition, not a ride. >> I I need ammunition, not a ride. >> Did you tell your wife and your family >> Did you tell your wife and your family >> Did you tell your wife and your family to leave? nobody could go anywhere because that nobody could go anywhere because that was a choice. Uh that was was a choice. Uh that was was a choice. Uh that was uh the families and theirs. Um uh uh the families and theirs. Um uh uh the families and theirs. Um uh naturally they weren't in the office naturally they weren't in the office naturally they weren't in the office with me or the security detail took them with me or the security detail took them with me or the security detail took them and they went uh to to to another and they went uh to to to another and they went uh to to to another location. Yeah. Well, because it was location. Yeah. Well, because it was location. Yeah. Well, because it was clear that that uh there was just shoot clear that that uh there was just shoot clear that that uh there was just shoot there was shooting right around the there was shooting right around the there was shooting right around the president's office and it was obvious president's office and it was obvious president's office and it was obvious how this could all end. And they asked how this could all end. And they asked how this could all end. And they asked me to go down to the bunker down there.

me to go down to the bunker down there. me to go down to the bunker down there. I had uh it was very deep underground I had uh it was very deep underground I had uh it was very deep underground built right inside my office and in that built right inside my office and in that built right inside my office and in that bunker I started working uh that's where bunker I started working uh that's where bunker I started working uh that's where Biden called me uh all around my office Biden called me uh all around my office Biden called me uh all around my office was secured by snipers various guys of was secured by snipers various guys of was secured by snipers various guys of ours special services and I was in the ours special services and I was in the ours special services and I was in the bunker uh down there I had bunker uh down there I had bunker uh down there I had communications and I spoke with all the communications and I spoke with all the communications and I spoke with all the leaders from there that's where I first leaders from there that's where I first leaders from there that's where I first did a video call with the Europeans did a video call with the Europeans did a video call with the Europeans pleading with them to unite, help pleading with them to unite, help pleading with them to unite, help Ukraine not abandon us and it worked. Ukraine not abandon us and it worked. Ukraine not abandon us and it worked. Yeah. And I continued uh being there Yeah. And I continued uh being there Yeah. And I continued uh being there going out into the street talking to to going out into the street talking to to going out into the street talking to to the people showing myself because there the people showing myself because there the people showing myself because there were so many in those first few days were so many in those first few days were so many in those first few days there were so so many uh narratives. there were so so many uh narratives. there were so so many uh narratives. Russia was put putting out a lot of Russia was put putting out a lot of Russia was put putting out a lot of information claiming I had fled. So information claiming I had fled. So information claiming I had fled. So basically their whole idea was for basically their whole idea was for basically their whole idea was for people to run and people would run if people to run and people would run if people to run and people would run if they saw that their leader abandoned they saw that their leader abandoned they saw that their leader abandoned them. Well I mean excuse me if the them. Well I mean excuse me if the them. Well I mean excuse me if the leader abandoned the capital well then leader abandoned the capital well then leader abandoned the capital well then everyone has to uh survive on their own.

everyone has to uh survive on their own. everyone has to uh survive on their own. So that was the whole story. They wanted So that was the whole story. They wanted So that was the whole story. They wanted me to run and for them for them that was me to run and for them for them that was me to run and for them for them that was yeah obviously that was their goal. And yeah obviously that was their goal. And yeah obviously that was their goal. And I couldn't abandon Kev, the office, the I couldn't abandon Kev, the office, the I couldn't abandon Kev, the office, the people. It's just impossible. That would people. It's just impossible. That would people. It's just impossible. That would be betrayal. Betrayal of my human be betrayal. Betrayal of my human be betrayal. Betrayal of my human decency and the constitution of Ukraine. decency and the constitution of Ukraine. decency and the constitution of Ukraine. So I couldn't uh do that. Well, and and So I couldn't uh do that. Well, and and So I couldn't uh do that. Well, and and that's it. That's it. And then and they that's it. That's it. And then and they that's it. That's it. And then and they put the Russians constantly pushed put the Russians constantly pushed put the Russians constantly pushed information that I wasn't there, then information that I wasn't there, then information that I wasn't there, then that I was spotted at the border, then that I was spotted at the border, then that I was spotted at the border, then that I was seen uh somewhere else, then that I was seen uh somewhere else, then that I was seen uh somewhere else, then in other countries. And all of that in other countries. And all of that in other countries. And all of that forced me to go out into the street all forced me to go out into the street all forced me to go out into the street all the time. Two, three times a day, I made the time. Two, three times a day, I made the time. Two, three times a day, I made a decision to constantly communicate, a decision to constantly communicate, a decision to constantly communicate, constantly say something to people so constantly say something to people so constantly say something to people so people could see that I was in the people could see that I was in the people could see that I was in the office on Bankova, that I hadn't fled office on Bankova, that I hadn't fled office on Bankova, that I hadn't fled anywhere, hadn't run away. That was anywhere, hadn't run away. That was anywhere, hadn't run away. That was important for the military, too. Later important for the military, too. Later important for the military, too. Later on with time, the military told me that on with time, the military told me that on with time, the military told me that it meant a lot to them. They stood it meant a lot to them. They stood it meant a lot to them. They stood strong, fought, defended, and liberated strong, fought, defended, and liberated strong, fought, defended, and liberated Kev because they believed they were Kev because they believed they were Kev because they believed they were liberating their capital, their home, liberating their capital, their home, liberating their capital, their home, and their president. Meaning that he and their president. Meaning that he and their president. Meaning that he didn't abandon us, that he stayed with didn't abandon us, that he stayed with didn't abandon us, that he stayed with us. That's what they said. Well, it was us. That's what they said. Well, it was us. That's what they said. Well, it was my duty. I don't see it as some kind of my duty. I don't see it as some kind of my duty. I don't see it as some kind of uh very special choice of mine. I uh very special choice of mine. I uh very special choice of mine. I believe that this was the only way I believe that this was the only way I believe that this was the only way I could act.

>> Were you scared? Because if I You have a >> Were you scared? Because if I You have a nuclear power, one of the biggest nuclear power, one of the biggest nuclear power, one of the biggest militaries in the world that have 64 militaries in the world that have 64 militaries in the world that have 64 miles of military equipment heading miles of military equipment heading miles of military equipment heading towards where you are and you have them towards where you are and you have them towards where you are and you have them invading also by air, firing missiles invading also by air, firing missiles invading also by air, firing missiles into the cities that you're in and your into the cities that you're in and your into the cities that you're in and your family are in. family are in. family are in. You've made the decision you're going to You've made the decision you're going to You've made the decision you're going to stay. Were you scared? >> Scared? >> Scared? It's a different feeling. It's not about It's a different feeling. It's not about It's a different feeling. It's not about fear. It's about being well, being laser fear. It's about being well, being laser fear. It's about being well, being laser focused on what needs to be done right focused on what needs to be done right focused on what needs to be done right now. We were working at such speed, now. We were working at such speed, now. We were working at such speed, I can't even tell you. I was just I can't even tell you. I was just I can't even tell you. I was just running around the office. I was running around the office. I was running around the office. I was running, making decisions, calling running, making decisions, calling running, making decisions, calling leaders. I just had no breaks. I had, I leaders. I just had no breaks. I had, I leaders. I just had no breaks. I had, I don't know, dozens of calls with leaders don't know, dozens of calls with leaders don't know, dozens of calls with leaders every single day, every hour, every every single day, every hour, every every single day, every hour, every second. I'd run outside, come back, talk second. I'd run outside, come back, talk second. I'd run outside, come back, talk to the military, come back. So, I just to the military, come back. So, I just to the military, come back. So, I just didn't have time for that. I only didn't have time for that. I only didn't have time for that. I only realized it all about 20 days into the realized it all about 20 days into the realized it all about 20 days into the war. I just realized that something war. I just realized that something war. I just realized that something happened, something terrible. and and happened, something terrible. and and happened, something terrible. and and the speed, you know, when the speed the speed, you know, when the speed the speed, you know, when the speed slightly slightly began to shift, you slightly slightly began to shift, you slightly slightly began to shift, you started to realize, my god, well, this started to realize, my god, well, this started to realize, my god, well, this is war. This is and it's without a doubt is war. This is and it's without a doubt is war. This is and it's without a doubt a horrible war. Yeah. But at first, I I a horrible war. Yeah. But at first, I I a horrible war. Yeah. But at first, I I was just working. Honestly, uh I have

was just working. Honestly, uh I have was just working. Honestly, uh I have this trait. I don't even think it's just this trait. I don't even think it's just this trait. I don't even think it's just me. People have this trait to pull me. People have this trait to pull me. People have this trait to pull yourself together when you know shock. yourself together when you know shock. yourself together when you know shock. people around you are in shock and you people around you are in shock and you people around you are in shock and you see it in their eyes. You see that they, see it in their eyes. You see that they, see it in their eyes. You see that they, you know, well, they're in shock and you you know, well, they're in shock and you you know, well, they're in shock and you realize that you need to act right now. realize that you need to act right now. realize that you need to act right now. Just act. Act every second. Draw Just act. Act every second. Draw Just act. Act every second. Draw conclusions. Kev is blockaded. Open it conclusions. Kev is blockaded. Open it conclusions. Kev is blockaded. Open it up. Tell the military, "Open the road. up. Tell the military, "Open the road. up. Tell the military, "Open the road. We need food to get in, water, and so We need food to get in, water, and so We need food to get in, water, and so on." That is that's what crisis on." That is that's what crisis on." That is that's what crisis management is. And in tough situations, management is. And in tough situations, management is. And in tough situations, basically that's usually how I I act in basically that's usually how I I act in basically that's usually how I I act in tough situations. And it's not like I'm tough situations. And it's not like I'm tough situations. And it's not like I'm uh again the bravest person. It's just uh again the bravest person. It's just uh again the bravest person. It's just when this kind of thing hits, I see when this kind of thing hits, I see when this kind of thing hits, I see people around me falling apart, you people around me falling apart, you people around me falling apart, you know, falling apart. Well, because it's know, falling apart. Well, because it's know, falling apart. Well, because it's a terrible war, I pull myself together a terrible war, I pull myself together a terrible war, I pull myself together completely. And only later relate once completely. And only later relate once completely. And only later relate once you've relaxed you realized that a you've relaxed you realized that a you've relaxed you realized that a terrible tragedy occurred a war and and terrible tragedy occurred a war and and terrible tragedy occurred a war and and it's just immense grief pretty much like it's just immense grief pretty much like it's just immense grief pretty much like that.

that. that. >> When when did things slowed down enough >> When when did things slowed down enough >> When when did things slowed down enough for you to realize the severity and the for you to realize the severity and the for you to realize the severity and the impact of the tragedy that had taken impact of the tragedy that had taken impact of the tragedy that had taken place and the lives that were lost? Was place and the lives that were lost? Was place and the lives that were lost? Was there a particular moment? there a particular moment? there a particular moment? The first few days I didn't sleep at The first few days I didn't sleep at The first few days I didn't sleep at all. The first few days we just worked I all. The first few days we just worked I all. The first few days we just worked I was sleeping about yeah 15 minutes was sleeping about yeah 15 minutes was sleeping about yeah 15 minutes sleeping 15 minutes because I had my sleeping 15 minutes because I had my sleeping 15 minutes because I had my entire job was communication. I was entire job was communication. I was entire job was communication. I was talking in circles with every leader. talking in circles with every leader. talking in circles with every leader. Deliver this over there. Do that there. Deliver this over there. Do that there. Deliver this over there. Do that there. We set up flawless logistics We set up flawless logistics We set up flawless logistics uh for weapons. We we were able uh I was uh for weapons. We we were able uh I was uh for weapons. We we were able uh I was talking at night with Poland with Andre talking at night with Poland with Andre talking at night with Poland with Andre Duda. There was a warehouse there. We Duda. There was a warehouse there. We Duda. There was a warehouse there. We were waking leaders up meaning in the were waking leaders up meaning in the were waking leaders up meaning in the middle of the night. So it was well it's middle of the night. So it was well it's middle of the night. So it was well it's improper to say this today. You improper to say this today. You improper to say this today. You shouldn't treat people like that. But shouldn't treat people like that. But shouldn't treat people like that. But that's how it was. And about 20 days that's how it was. And about 20 days that's how it was. And about 20 days later into the war, everything started later into the war, everything started later into the war, everything started coming together into some steps that coming together into some steps that coming together into some steps that needed to be taken into some kind of needed to be taken into some kind of needed to be taken into some kind of well like the realization that well well like the realization that well well like the realization that well a war had begun. War, tragedy, and we a war had begun. War, tragedy, and we a war had begun. War, tragedy, and we have to move forward. And well, that's have to move forward. And well, that's have to move forward. And well, that's about how it was. At first it was crisis about how it was. At first it was crisis about how it was. At first it was crisis management. Unblock, management. Unblock, management. Unblock, bring back troops, break the siege of bring back troops, break the siege of bring back troops, break the siege of Kev, strike back at them. And definitely Kev, strike back at them. And definitely Kev, strike back at them. And definitely the most crucial things were

the most crucial things were the most crucial things were communications, communications, communications, food, water, the population. So many food, water, the population. So many food, water, the population. So many cities were cut off. It wasn't just the cities were cut off. It wasn't just the cities were cut off. It wasn't just the banking system, cards, making sure cards banking system, cards, making sure cards banking system, cards, making sure cards worked. I mean, we're a pretty worked. I mean, we're a pretty worked. I mean, we're a pretty digitalized country, so a lot of things digitalized country, so a lot of things digitalized country, so a lot of things were done. A lot of things were done in were done. A lot of things were done in were done. A lot of things were done in those first weeks. We were faster than those first weeks. We were faster than those first weeks. We were faster than the Russians. They broke through quickly the Russians. They broke through quickly the Russians. They broke through quickly toward Kev. And once we stopped them at toward Kev. And once we stopped them at toward Kev. And once we stopped them at Kev, we became much faster in the Kev, we became much faster in the Kev, we became much faster in the information space and so on. We information space and so on. We information space and so on. We shattered their whole their whole wave shattered their whole their whole wave shattered their whole their whole wave of disinformation and just broke them of disinformation and just broke them of disinformation and just broke them down step by step step by step down step by step step by step down step by step step by step until they realized that they lost the capital they realized that they lost the capital to us and and then it became clear that to us and and then it became clear that to us and and then it became clear that we had to push harder. Our partners we had to push harder. Our partners we had to push harder. Our partners helped. Our partners realized that we helped. Our partners realized that we helped. Our partners realized that we wouldn't give up and they started wouldn't give up and they started wouldn't give up and they started helping. That was definitely it. I helping. That was definitely it. I helping. That was definitely it. I remember how it happened.

remember how it happened. remember how it happened. >> It is often said that Vladimir Putin >> It is often said that Vladimir Putin >> It is often said that Vladimir Putin believed he would be able to take Kiev believed he would be able to take Kiev believed he would be able to take Kiev in Ukraine in just a number of days and in Ukraine in just a number of days and in Ukraine in just a number of days and actually captured Russian assault units actually captured Russian assault units actually captured Russian assault units carried only 3 to 10 days of combat carried only 3 to 10 days of combat carried only 3 to 10 days of combat rations alongside formal dress uniforms rations alongside formal dress uniforms rations alongside formal dress uniforms meant for a victory victory parade. meant for a victory victory parade. meant for a victory victory parade. While state media accidentally released While state media accidentally released While state media accidentally released a presscheduled victory declaration on a presscheduled victory declaration on a presscheduled victory declaration on day three. Although Putin never never day three. Although Putin never never day three. Although Putin never never publicly uttered the phrase three days publicly uttered the phrase three days publicly uttered the phrase three days or said a sort of time frame himself, or said a sort of time frame himself, or said a sort of time frame himself, there are top Russian state media there are top Russian state media there are top Russian state media figures um who openly bragged that the figures um who openly bragged that the figures um who openly bragged that the conquest would take only a few days. conquest would take only a few days. conquest would take only a few days. What is it that they misunderestimated What is it that they misunderestimated What is it that they misunderestimated about Ukraine? about Ukraine? about Ukraine? That's right. Exactly what you started That's right. Exactly what you started That's right. Exactly what you started with today, that Ukraine is not Russia. with today, that Ukraine is not Russia. with today, that Ukraine is not Russia. That's his problem. Refusing to That's his problem. Refusing to That's his problem. Refusing to recognize a separate nation, refusing to recognize a separate nation, refusing to recognize a separate nation, refusing to recognize a separate country. That's recognize a separate country. That's recognize a separate country. That's what did him in. He still doesn't what did him in. He still doesn't what did him in. He still doesn't understand that he looks at Ukraine as understand that he looks at Ukraine as understand that he looks at Ukraine as Russia, as part of Russia, that I'll Russia, as part of Russia, that I'll Russia, as part of Russia, that I'll march in with an army. We'll have march in with an army. We'll have march in with an army. We'll have hundreds of thousands of men. He'll slam hundreds of thousands of men. He'll slam hundreds of thousands of men. He'll slam his fist on the table. The president his fist on the table. The president his fist on the table. The president will run away. People will hide and the will run away. People will hide and the will run away. People will hide and the Ukrainian flag will be swapped for the Ukrainian flag will be swapped for the Ukrainian flag will be swapped for the Russian flag. And that's it. Three days.

Russian flag. And that's it. Three days. Russian flag. And that's it. Three days. We showed a military operation that was We showed a military operation that was We showed a military operation that was supposed to take three days. That's how supposed to take three days. That's how supposed to take three days. That's how it is. When our guys hit their tanks and it is. When our guys hit their tanks and it is. When our guys hit their tanks and stuff, we found parade uniforms. It's stuff, we found parade uniforms. It's stuff, we found parade uniforms. It's true. They found parade uniforms in true. They found parade uniforms in true. They found parade uniforms in their various military vehicles. They their various military vehicles. They their various military vehicles. They were literally marching to a parade. were literally marching to a parade. were literally marching to a parade. They specifically wanted to capture Kiev They specifically wanted to capture Kiev They specifically wanted to capture Kiev in 3 days and symbolically hold some in 3 days and symbolically hold some in 3 days and symbolically hold some well some kind of uh regular spectacle well some kind of uh regular spectacle well some kind of uh regular spectacle uh of pseudo victory on Christhatic on uh of pseudo victory on Christhatic on uh of pseudo victory on Christhatic on Independent Square. Well, I mean that's Independent Square. Well, I mean that's Independent Square. Well, I mean that's the most important thing. He still the most important thing. He still the most important thing. He still doesn't understand and doesn't want to doesn't understand and doesn't want to doesn't understand and doesn't want to admit that this is a different nation, a admit that this is a different nation, a admit that this is a different nation, a different people. different people. different people. >> Just 12 hours ago, Trump weighed in on >> Just 12 hours ago, Trump weighed in on >> Just 12 hours ago, Trump weighed in on what he believed happened with Kiev and what he believed happened with Kiev and what he believed happened with Kiev and why Vladimir Putin wasn't able to take why Vladimir Putin wasn't able to take why Vladimir Putin wasn't able to take Kiev. This is what he said. I'll throw Kiev. This is what he said. I'll throw Kiev. This is what he said. I'll throw it up on the screen for the listeners. it up on the screen for the listeners. it up on the screen for the listeners. >> But then it was supposed to be a very >> But then it was supposed to be a very >> But then it was supposed to be a very much, you know, very quick war, right? much, you know, very quick war, right? much, you know, very quick war, right? And if you remember the tanks going up And if you remember the tanks going up And if you remember the tanks going up the highway right into Kiev. Had the the highway right into Kiev. Had the the highway right into Kiev. Had the general who was obviously not a very general who was obviously not a very general who was obviously not a very good general not made a right turn into good general not made a right turn into good general not made a right turn into farmland which was soaked and soaking farmland which was soaked and soaking farmland which was soaked and soaking wet from the heaviest rain in 10 years wet from the heaviest rain in 10 years wet from the heaviest rain in 10 years they say they say they say >> he went right up into the mud and it was >> he went right up into the mud and it was >> he went right up into the mud and it was like quicksand and those tanks. So they like quicksand and those tanks. So they like quicksand and those tanks. So they got I guess I don't know if you're got I guess I don't know if you're got I guess I don't know if you're caught lucky or not lucky frankly cuz caught lucky or not lucky frankly cuz caught lucky or not lucky frankly cuz it's been 5 years and Ukraine has lost a it's been 5 years and Ukraine has lost a it's been 5 years and Ukraine has lost a tremendous you know Ukraine has lost tremendous you know Ukraine has lost tremendous you know Ukraine has lost so many of its men number one had they so many of its men number one had they so many of its men number one had they not taken the right turn onto dirt not taken the right turn onto dirt not taken the right turn onto dirt instead of going up a concrete highway

instead of going up a concrete highway instead of going up a concrete highway it would have ended in one day. it would have ended in one day. it would have ended in one day. >> So Trump says that it was a Russian >> So Trump says that it was a Russian >> So Trump says that it was a Russian mistake taking a wrong turn that stopped mistake taking a wrong turn that stopped mistake taking a wrong turn that stopped this war being over in a day. this war being over in a day. this war being over in a day. No, they surrounded Kev. They they No, they surrounded Kev. They they No, they surrounded Kev. They they reached Kev. They occupied towns on the reached Kev. They occupied towns on the reached Kev. They occupied towns on the way to Kev. Uh some they didn't occupy. way to Kev. Uh some they didn't occupy. way to Kev. Uh some they didn't occupy. Towns fought back. They bypassed them. Towns fought back. They bypassed them. Towns fought back. They bypassed them. No, if someone took a wrong turn, I No, if someone took a wrong turn, I No, if someone took a wrong turn, I don't know what President Trump is don't know what President Trump is don't know what President Trump is talking about. It's overall it doesn't talking about. It's overall it doesn't talking about. It's overall it doesn't matter. With all the armor they lost matter. With all the armor they lost matter. With all the armor they lost near Keev, hostal and so on. In other near Keev, hostal and so on. In other near Keev, hostal and so on. In other words, dozens hundreds of armored words, dozens hundreds of armored words, dozens hundreds of armored vehicles burned. They just they just vehicles burned. They just they just vehicles burned. They just they just trapped us and then we started hammering trapped us and then we started hammering trapped us and then we started hammering them and they didn't know what to do them and they didn't know what to do them and they didn't know what to do about it because some of their armor about it because some of their armor about it because some of their armor breached into Kev right into the breached into Kev right into the breached into Kev right into the capital. Armored vehicles drove through capital. Armored vehicles drove through capital. Armored vehicles drove through the streets and people burned it all the streets and people burned it all the streets and people burned it all down. They were especially shocked when down. They were especially shocked when down. They were especially shocked when they drove toward the capital and people they drove toward the capital and people they drove toward the capital and people were just throwing burning debris. I were just throwing burning debris. I were just throwing burning debris. I mean pe people were setting their armor mean pe people were setting their armor mean pe people were setting their armor on fire. It wasn't a matter of some on fire. It wasn't a matter of some on fire. It wasn't a matter of some general being an idiot. I believe the general being an idiot. I believe the general being an idiot. I believe the one who gave the order just didn't fully one who gave the order just didn't fully one who gave the order just didn't fully realize what was happening. Didn't realize what was happening. Didn't realize what was happening. Didn't really get what it would take. And really get what it would take. And really get what it would take. And that's the main point. They needed that's the main point. They needed that's the main point. They needed around around around thousands thousands thousands thousands thousands thousands I think 3 to 400,000 I think 3 to 400,000 I think 3 to 400,000 to take Kev. They needed twice as many

to take Kev. They needed twice as many to take Kev. They needed twice as many men. Why? Because taking Kev, what does men. Why? Because taking Kev, what does men. Why? Because taking Kev, what does taking Kev mean? When you've taken those taking Kev mean? When you've taken those taking Kev mean? When you've taken those towns on the on the way to Kev, you have towns on the on the way to Kev, you have towns on the on the way to Kev, you have to leave troops behind to hold those to leave troops behind to hold those to leave troops behind to hold those towns. And that takes a huge number of towns. And that takes a huge number of towns. And that takes a huge number of people. It's a pretty large territory. people. It's a pretty large territory. people. It's a pretty large territory. And you can avoid leaving many troops And you can avoid leaving many troops And you can avoid leaving many troops there only if there's no resistance. But there only if there's no resistance. But there only if there's no resistance. But if the people inside offer resistance, if the people inside offer resistance, if the people inside offer resistance, then you you need an army to hold every then you you need an army to hold every then you you need an army to hold every town. That was their uh that was their town. That was their uh that was their town. That was their uh that was their mistake. They didn't estimate, right? mistake. They didn't estimate, right? mistake. They didn't estimate, right? didn't estimate uh they didn't even didn't estimate uh they didn't even didn't estimate uh they didn't even realize there would be resistance. realize there would be resistance. realize there would be resistance. That's it. That's it. That's it. That was their main mistake. And then then that's it. That's all. For And then then that's it. That's all. For example, if you take uh that operation example, if you take uh that operation example, if you take uh that operation back in 2014 back in 2014 back in 2014 when they uh went in and seized uh when they uh went in and seized uh when they uh went in and seized uh Crimea Crimea Crimea then, pardon me, in Crimea then, pardon me, in Crimea then, pardon me, in Crimea there are 3 million people there are 3 million people there are 3 million people and Kev had 3 million people.

and Kev had 3 million people. and Kev had 3 million people. Dozens of people entered Crimea, at most Dozens of people entered Crimea, at most Dozens of people entered Crimea, at most hundreds, hundreds, hundreds, and here hundreds of thousands. and here hundreds of thousands. and here hundreds of thousands. It's not about the operation. The It's not about the operation. The It's not about the operation. The difference is people defended it, stood difference is people defended it, stood difference is people defended it, stood up and fought. And the difference is no up and fought. And the difference is no up and fought. And the difference is no one fought back. Which is why I said one fought back. Which is why I said one fought back. Which is why I said when dozens of people showed up here when dozens of people showed up here when dozens of people showed up here where Trump is right is that if Crimea where Trump is right is that if Crimea where Trump is right is that if Crimea hadn't been allowed to fall, there would hadn't been allowed to fall, there would hadn't been allowed to fall, there would be no war on this. I agree with be no war on this. I agree with be no war on this. I agree with President Trump. Not because I'm blaming President Trump. Not because I'm blaming President Trump. Not because I'm blaming anyone. No, it's just that dozens of anyone. No, it's just that dozens of anyone. No, it's just that dozens of people went into Crimea. Dozens. For a people went into Crimea. Dozens. For a people went into Crimea. Dozens. For a country like this, that's zero. That's country like this, that's zero. That's country like this, that's zero. That's nothing. We handled hundreds of nothing. We handled hundreds of nothing. We handled hundreds of thousands. thousands. thousands. Here, here's what happened. And if Here, here's what happened. And if Here, here's what happened. And if they'd been smacked in the head back they'd been smacked in the head back they'd been smacked in the head back then, uh, the Russians, those people then, uh, the Russians, those people then, uh, the Russians, those people wearing uniforms, meaning the Russians wearing uniforms, meaning the Russians wearing uniforms, meaning the Russians would have even said, "Hey, that's they would have even said, "Hey, that's they would have even said, "Hey, that's they were already saying, "That's not our were already saying, "That's not our were already saying, "That's not our army. Look at the uniforms. You can't army. Look at the uniforms. You can't army. Look at the uniforms. You can't tell us the Russian army." And if they'd tell us the Russian army." And if they'd tell us the Russian army." And if they'd been hit back then, well, it wouldn't been hit back then, well, it wouldn't been hit back then, well, it wouldn't have happened. Well, at least there have happened. Well, at least there have happened. Well, at least there wouldn't have been a chance of a wouldn't have been a chance of a wouldn't have been a chance of a full-scale war. Why? Because Putin would full-scale war. Why? Because Putin would full-scale war. Why? Because Putin would have known there would be have known there would be have known there would be a blow. There would be a response. But a blow. There would be a response. But a blow. There would be a response. But what was his mistake here? First of all, what was his mistake here? First of all, what was his mistake here? First of all, when he saw how Crime Crimea was seized when he saw how Crime Crimea was seized when he saw how Crime Crimea was seized so easily, so easily, that's why he so easily, so easily, that's why he so easily, so easily, that's why he thought he could seize Kev just as thought he could seize Kev just as thought he could seize Kev just as easily. That was his experience.

easily. That was his experience. easily. That was his experience. >> And there's quite a famous battle that >> And there's quite a famous battle that >> And there's quite a famous battle that took place um to secure the Anatonov took place um to secure the Anatonov took place um to secure the Anatonov airport, airport, airport, >> Hostol. >> Hostol. >> Hostol. Uh Hostol Antonov, that's what I just Uh Hostol Antonov, that's what I just Uh Hostol Antonov, that's what I just told you. That's a battle. There's a told you. That's a battle. There's a told you. That's a battle. There's a terrible battle in Hostol. A brutal terrible battle in Hostol. A brutal terrible battle in Hostol. A brutal battle. of the airport in host. battle. of the airport in host. battle. of the airport in host. >> Can you explain that to me? Um because I >> Can you explain that to me? Um because I >> Can you explain that to me? Um because I I watched a documentary on this a couple I watched a documentary on this a couple I watched a documentary on this a couple of months ago and it feels like it was a of months ago and it feels like it was a of months ago and it feels like it was a really pivotal moment in defending Kiev. really pivotal moment in defending Kiev. really pivotal moment in defending Kiev. What were Russia trying to do? Where is What were Russia trying to do? Where is What were Russia trying to do? Where is this this this >> when they land for them it was crucial >> when they land for them it was crucial >> when they land for them it was crucial to seize the airports. Hosttol is one of to seize the airports. Hosttol is one of to seize the airports. Hosttol is one of uh the airports where a massive landing uh the airports where a massive landing uh the airports where a massive landing force could could land and so on. So force could could land and so on. So force could could land and so on. So here's how a takeover works. block kev here's how a takeover works. block kev here's how a takeover works. block kev capture the airports basically TV towers capture the airports basically TV towers capture the airports basically TV towers and so forth in other words seize and so forth in other words seize and so forth in other words seize information logistics and cut off information logistics and cut off information logistics and cut off supplies of uh food food weapons and so supplies of uh food food weapons and so supplies of uh food food weapons and so on that that's bas basically the plan on that that's bas basically the plan on that that's bas basically the plan and you need the leader to to run and you need the leader to to run and you need the leader to to run because no leader means chaos no chain because no leader means chaos no chain because no leader means chaos no chain of command that's what they were doing of command that's what they were doing of command that's what they were doing there was a terrible battle in Hostol there was a terrible battle in Hostol there was a terrible battle in Hostol our people burned them there and they our people burned them there and they our people burned them there and they had very tough of combat uh units. They had very tough of combat uh units. They had very tough of combat uh units. They couldn't uh land a large force there.

couldn't uh land a large force there. couldn't uh land a large force there. They were destroyed. Uh Hostol was taken They were destroyed. Uh Hostol was taken They were destroyed. Uh Hostol was taken back. Uh our troops controlled it. That back. Uh our troops controlled it. That back. Uh our troops controlled it. That was one of the striking battles. A was one of the striking battles. A was one of the striking battles. A terrible battle. One of the most terrible battle. One of the most terrible battle. One of the most striking battles. So we did everything striking battles. So we did everything striking battles. So we did everything possible not to let them capture us and possible not to let them capture us and possible not to let them capture us and seize our logistics. seize our logistics. seize our logistics. >> They they flew in with paratroopers. So >> They they flew in with paratroopers. So >> They they flew in with paratroopers. So they parachuted people into that airport they parachuted people into that airport they parachuted people into that airport to try and claim it. And they originally to try and claim it. And they originally to try and claim it. And they originally did seize the airport. did seize the airport. did seize the airport. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> And then there was an immediate >> And then there was an immediate >> And then there was an immediate counterattack where Ukrainian National counterattack where Ukrainian National counterattack where Ukrainian National Guard units and special forces Guard units and special forces Guard units and special forces >> Yes. Our National Guard. >> Yes. Our National Guard. >> Yes. Our National Guard. >> You shelled and destroyed the runway >> You shelled and destroyed the runway >> You shelled and destroyed the runway yourself. You destroyed your own runway yourself. You destroyed your own runway yourself. You destroyed your own runway while air defense units forces shot down while air defense units forces shot down while air defense units forces shot down several Russian transport helicopters. several Russian transport helicopters. several Russian transport helicopters. And from what I understood, you know, And from what I understood, you know, And from what I understood, you know, you took the air port back. They fought you took the air port back. They fought you took the air port back. They fought you took it back. They thought that you took it back. They thought that you took it back. They thought that that's right. that's right. that's right. Changed hands back and forth. That's how Changed hands back and forth. That's how Changed hands back and forth. That's how it was. it was. it was. >> And if they had been able to seize that >> And if they had been able to seize that >> And if they had been able to seize that airport, how would that have changed the airport, how would that have changed the airport, how would that have changed the situation with K? Do you think situation with K? Do you think situation with K? Do you think >> they >> they >> they likely they could have uh they could likely they could have uh they could likely they could have uh they could have taken most of the capital.

have taken most of the capital. have taken most of the capital. They could have broken through and They could have broken through and They could have broken through and captured it. That's true. That's true. captured it. That's true. That's true. captured it. That's true. That's true. That was an utterly heroic uh battle. That was an utterly heroic uh battle. That was an utterly heroic uh battle. >> It when you hear these stories, you >> It when you hear these stories, you >> It when you hear these stories, you realize that realize that realize that the future of Ukraine the future of Ukraine the future of Ukraine comes down to both heroism, but also comes down to both heroism, but also comes down to both heroism, but also several small battles. Some big battles, several small battles. Some big battles, several small battles. Some big battles, but also several small moments. when you but also several small moments. when you but also several small moments. when you reflect on that that month, that moment, reflect on that that month, that moment, reflect on that that month, that moment, what are is there any other sort of what are is there any other sort of what are is there any other sort of small moments that you think really small moments that you think really small moments that you think really define the future of Ukraine in this define the future of Ukraine in this define the future of Ukraine in this regard? regard? regard? >> Well, uh just so you know, um today, >> Well, uh just so you know, um today, >> Well, uh just so you know, um today, um places like Hostol, then further up um places like Hostol, then further up um places like Hostol, then further up Mushroom and several small towns around Mushroom and several small towns around Mushroom and several small towns around Kev, there was a desperate battle for Kev, there was a desperate battle for Kev, there was a desperate battle for every single one of those towns. every single one of those towns. every single one of those towns. Why the National Guard? because back Why the National Guard? because back Why the National Guard? because back then uh the full army couldn't reach it then uh the full army couldn't reach it then uh the full army couldn't reach it yet. But the national guard are uh yet. But the national guard are uh yet. But the national guard are uh internal troops. So they were there and internal troops. So they were there and internal troops. So they were there and brought in army units and so on. But brought in army units and so on. But brought in army units and so on. But nonetheless, that's why it was an nonetheless, that's why it was an nonetheless, that's why it was an utterly heroic battle. There was BHA, utterly heroic battle. There was BHA, utterly heroic battle. There was BHA, you know, right, that they occupied it.

you know, right, that they occupied it. you know, right, that they occupied it. It was terrible. It was a genocide It was terrible. It was a genocide It was terrible. It was a genocide recognized by everyone. They buried recognized by everyone. They buried recognized by everyone. They buried hundreds of people. They tortured hundreds of people. They tortured hundreds of people. They tortured people. I mean tortured them and people. I mean tortured them and people. I mean tortured them and hundreds of people were in a mass grave. hundreds of people were in a mass grave. hundreds of people were in a mass grave. They found a grave. There were, I They found a grave. There were, I They found a grave. There were, I believe, around 500 people, half a believe, around 500 people, half a believe, around 500 people, half a thousand people in a grave like that. thousand people in a grave like that. thousand people in a grave like that. Just imagine hands tied, tortured, and Just imagine hands tied, tortured, and Just imagine hands tied, tortured, and then buried in in in pits. That's what then buried in in in pits. That's what then buried in in in pits. That's what was happening. People this looked nothing like a war. It this looked nothing like a war. It looked it was definitely pure looting looked it was definitely pure looting looked it was definitely pure looting when they occupied those towns on the when they occupied those towns on the when they occupied those towns on the way to Kev and around Kev. They collap way to Kev and around Kev. They collap way to Kev and around Kev. They collap they just went into homes just killed they just went into homes just killed they just went into homes just killed took microwaves, took microwaves, took microwaves, some refrigerators, some refrigerators, some refrigerators, TVs. TVs. TVs. They acted like just an well, I can't They acted like just an well, I can't They acted like just an well, I can't even describe it. Well, they're just even describe it. Well, they're just even describe it. Well, they're just scavengers. scavengers. scavengers. And all these people, they tied their And all these people, they tied their And all these people, they tied their hands, hands, hands, tortured them.

There was sexual violence, everything. There was sexual violence, everything. And they buried people right in the And they buried people right in the And they buried people right in the yard, dumped people and so on. When we yard, dumped people and so on. When we yard, dumped people and so on. When we liberated those towns, there emerged this, you know, this kind there emerged this, you know, this kind of such hatred for the Russians. of such hatred for the Russians. of such hatred for the Russians. Right at that moment, not even at the Right at that moment, not even at the Right at that moment, not even at the moment when they started the fullscale moment when they started the fullscale moment when they started the fullscale war. Back then, every nobody understood war. Back then, every nobody understood war. Back then, every nobody understood what it really was yet. People what it really was yet. People what it really was yet. People understood what this war was and what understood what this war was and what understood what this war was and what Putin did personally when we found those Putin did personally when we found those Putin did personally when we found those mass graves of tortured adults, mass graves of tortured adults, mass graves of tortured adults, children. I mean, they didn't just kill children. I mean, they didn't just kill children. I mean, they didn't just kill them, they tortured and killed them. them, they tortured and killed them. them, they tortured and killed them. >> Children. >> Children. >> Children. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. And then you realize that I mean just And then you realize that I mean just And then you realize that I mean just imagine what they went through. imagine what they went through. imagine what they went through. Well, there's no no you can't even Well, there's no no you can't even Well, there's no no you can't even compare what all these people live compare what all these people live compare what all these people live through. Why BHA is so horrifying and through. Why BHA is so horrifying and through. Why BHA is so horrifying and why the Russians immediately started why the Russians immediately started why the Russians immediately started saying it's a staged performance. We saying it's a staged performance. We saying it's a staged performance. We brought in journalists. The entire world brought in journalists. The entire world brought in journalists. The entire world press was there. They saw the bodies. I press was there. They saw the bodies. I press was there. They saw the bodies. I deliberately when we liberated Bha I deliberately when we liberated Bha I deliberately when we liberated Bha I went there. Once I saw it, I said, went there. Once I saw it, I said, went there. Once I saw it, I said, "Bring every journalist here.

"Bring every journalist here. "Bring every journalist here. Don't touch anything. Just bring the Don't touch anything. Just bring the Don't touch anything. Just bring the journalists. The whole world simply has journalists. The whole world simply has journalists. The whole world simply has to see this." And they brought the to see this." And they brought the to see this." And they brought the journalists. People were literally lying journalists. People were literally lying journalists. People were literally lying on the pavement. Dead bodies lying on the pavement. Dead bodies lying on the pavement. Dead bodies lying everywhere. Kids, adults, elderly everywhere. Kids, adults, elderly everywhere. Kids, adults, elderly people, and so on. Witnesses who had people, and so on. Witnesses who had people, and so on. Witnesses who had stayed behind in BHA. An old man, an stayed behind in BHA. An old man, an stayed behind in BHA. An old man, an elderly man. This was a very famous elderly man. This was a very famous elderly man. This was a very famous story there. It's one of those moments story there. It's one of those moments story there. It's one of those moments you're talking about. this elderly man, you're talking about. this elderly man, you're talking about. this elderly man, he lit survived uh the occupation of he lit survived uh the occupation of he lit survived uh the occupation of this town, the town of Bha during World this town, the town of Bha during World this town, the town of Bha during World War II. War II. War II. And he said the fascists never And he said the fascists never And he said the fascists never treated people like that. Yes, they were treated people like that. Yes, they were treated people like that. Yes, they were enemies, yes, occupiers, enemies, yes, occupiers, enemies, yes, occupiers, but they didn't torture people like but they didn't torture people like but they didn't torture people like that. that. that. This is absolute reality. And this there This is absolute reality. And this there This is absolute reality. And this there are testimonies, there's evidence, there are testimonies, there's evidence, there are testimonies, there's evidence, there are criminal cases and how after all are criminal cases and how after all are criminal cases and how after all this we it's just that it was already a this we it's just that it was already a this we it's just that it was already a long time ago in the first year of the long time ago in the first year of the long time ago in the first year of the full-scale war. And sometimes people full-scale war. And sometimes people full-scale war. And sometimes people need to be reminded when you see a mass need to be reminded when you see a mass need to be reminded when you see a mass today finding a grave in the US or in today finding a grave in the US or in today finding a grave in the US or in Britain, God forbid, with 500 tortured Britain, God forbid, with 500 tortured Britain, God forbid, with 500 tortured people, adults, kids, dogs, animals shot people, adults, kids, dogs, animals shot people, adults, kids, dogs, animals shot dead. I mean, they held hunting sprees dead. I mean, they held hunting sprees dead. I mean, they held hunting sprees there there there from military vehicles. People were from military vehicles. People were from military vehicles. People were running, they were shooting, just running, they were shooting, just running, they were shooting, just hunting, playing games hunting, playing games hunting, playing games the whole time. They were blockading Kev the whole time. They were blockading Kev the whole time. They were blockading Kev right up until the moment we liberated right up until the moment we liberated right up until the moment we liberated it. They There were people in those

it. They There were people in those it. They There were people in those villages and so on. They literally just villages and so on. They literally just villages and so on. They literally just played with people like slavery. Imagine played with people like slavery. Imagine played with people like slavery. Imagine that. So, how how after this uh can you that. So, how how after this uh can you that. So, how how after this uh can you listen to Putin and how how after this listen to Putin and how how after this listen to Putin and how how after this can you forgive? And that's why when can you forgive? And that's why when can you forgive? And that's why when President Trump says we need to find a President Trump says we need to find a President Trump says we need to find a compromise and believe me this we live compromise and believe me this we live compromise and believe me this we live with this a ceasefire with this a ceasefire with this a ceasefire and sitting down at the negotiating and sitting down at the negotiating and sitting down at the negotiating table there's a huge compromise. table there's a huge compromise. table there's a huge compromise. It is a huge compromise. Nobody can step It is a huge compromise. Nobody can step It is a huge compromise. Nobody can step into the shoes of all these people and into the shoes of all these people and into the shoes of all these people and the relatives whose children were the relatives whose children were the relatives whose children were tortured. Nobody can nobody wants to tortured. Nobody can nobody wants to tortured. Nobody can nobody wants to forgive them for anything. Nobody wants forgive them for anything. Nobody wants forgive them for anything. Nobody wants to forgive anything. And you can't force to forgive anything. And you can't force to forgive anything. And you can't force people to forgive. How can you force people to forgive. How can you force people to forgive. How can you force them when their child was tortured? them when their child was tortured? them when their child was tortured? How do you forgive? Well, it's How do you forgive? Well, it's How do you forgive? Well, it's impossible. But that's why we say a impossible. But that's why we say a impossible. But that's why we say a ceasefire is the only step because ceasefire is the only step because ceasefire is the only step because people have such hatred. It It's not people have such hatred. It It's not people have such hatred. It It's not going away. It that hatred isn't going going away. It that hatred isn't going going away. It that hatred isn't going anywhere. It takes time and justice. And anywhere. It takes time and justice. And anywhere. It takes time and justice. And that's why it's a huge compromise. I've that's why it's a huge compromise. I've that's why it's a huge compromise. I've always really wanted I I've tried many always really wanted I I've tried many always really wanted I I've tried many times to tell the president of the times to tell the president of the times to tell the president of the United States just understand us. This United States just understand us. This United States just understand us. This is a huge compromise just to hold the is a huge compromise just to hold the is a huge compromise just to hold the lines where we are that to well look lines where we are that to well look lines where we are that to well look that's what it feels like.

>> What was your hardest day >> What was your hardest day through the last four years? through the last four years? through the last four years? What's the day that you know will live What's the day that you know will live What's the day that you know will live long in your your brain, your mind, your long in your your brain, your mind, your long in your your brain, your mind, your memory? memory? memory? BHA, what I just told you, that was a BHA, what I just told you, that was a BHA, what I just told you, that was a terrible day because I stood there. I terrible day because I stood there. I terrible day because I stood there. I had never seen people's bodies just had never seen people's bodies just had never seen people's bodies just scattered on the on the street in my scattered on the on the street in my scattered on the on the street in my entire life. I had simply never seen entire life. I had simply never seen entire life. I had simply never seen anything like that in my life. And after anything like that in my life. And after anything like that in my life. And after that, everything changed completely. And that, everything changed completely. And that, everything changed completely. And once again, everything changed in life. once again, everything changed in life. once again, everything changed in life. >> Everything has changed. >> Everything has changed. >> Everything has changed. >> Absolutely. >> Absolutely. >> Absolutely. >> In what way? you want you want you want you want you want revenge. Uh I had never had it Uh I had never had it where I couldn't forgive someone. And by where I couldn't forgive someone. And by where I couldn't forgive someone. And by and large, I think people make mistakes.

and large, I think people make mistakes. and large, I think people make mistakes. This this is about something else evil This this is about something else evil This this is about something else evil like that, you know, a devil like that. like that, you know, a devil like that. like that, you know, a devil like that. Just came in like that, did that to Just came in like that, did that to Just came in like that, did that to people people people like like chopped meat, butchered them, like like chopped meat, butchered them, like like chopped meat, butchered them, you know? I mean, that's what it looks you know? I mean, that's what it looks you know? I mean, that's what it looks like. And you just can't fathom how like. And you just can't fathom how like. And you just can't fathom how that's possible. And you want to find that's possible. And you want to find that's possible. And you want to find these people who aren't human. You want these people who aren't human. You want these people who aren't human. You want to find them and you want to you just to find them and you want to you just to find them and you want to you just want to you want to kill them. want to you want to kill them. want to you want to kill them. I mean, I had never wanted to kill a I mean, I had never wanted to kill a I mean, I had never wanted to kill a single human being. I had never felt single human being. I had never felt single human being. I had never felt anything like that. anything like that. anything like that. Pure revenge. Pure revenge. Pure revenge. With time, you can't forget that. And in With time, you can't forget that. And in With time, you can't forget that. And in moments like this, and our conversation moments like this, and our conversation moments like this, and our conversation brings back moments like that. And you brings back moments like that. And you brings back moments like that. And you have to be president and you have to have to be president and you have to have to be president and you have to come down and be more uh how do it come down and be more uh how do it come down and be more uh how do it uh diplomatic. Yeah. Well, you can't uh diplomatic. Yeah. Well, you can't uh diplomatic. Yeah. Well, you can't forgive just forgive everything like forgive just forgive everything like forgive just forgive everything like that and say well sorry that's Putin a that and say well sorry that's Putin a that and say well sorry that's Putin a powerful country. Let's just forget powerful country. Let's just forget powerful country. Let's just forget everything. Let's forgive everything and everything. Let's forgive everything and everything. Let's forgive everything and somehow well we'll buy and sell gas or somehow well we'll buy and sell gas or somehow well we'll buy and sell gas or diesel or whatever. That's difficult.

diesel or whatever. That's difficult. diesel or whatever. That's difficult. You understand? You understand? You understand? >> Do you ever worry about how this >> Do you ever worry about how this >> Do you ever worry about how this experience has changed you? experience has changed you? experience has changed you? Because you have been irreversibly Because you have been irreversibly Because you have been irreversibly changed by this. I can tell both from changed by this. I can tell both from changed by this. I can tell both from meeting you, looking at how you used to meeting you, looking at how you used to meeting you, looking at how you used to be 3, four, 5 years ago, you've been be 3, four, 5 years ago, you've been be 3, four, 5 years ago, you've been irreversibly changed. and you're a irreversibly changed. and you're a irreversibly changed. and you're a father and you're a husband and at some father and you're a husband and at some father and you're a husband and at some point this war will be over, you know, point this war will be over, you know, point this war will be over, you know, God God willing. But do do you ever God God willing. But do do you ever God God willing. But do do you ever think about how you're irreversibly think about how you're irreversibly think about how you're irreversibly changed? >> You can't bring it back. It's just it's >> You can't bring it back. It's just it's two different worlds. A re-evaluation of two different worlds. A re-evaluation of two different worlds. A re-evaluation of values. My only dream is values. My only dream is values. My only dream is to end this war. I desperately want to end this war. I desperately want to end this war. I desperately want justice. I just really want I know so justice. I just really want I know so justice. I just really want I know so many people had their hearts ripped out many people had their hearts ripped out many people had their hearts ripped out and there won't be a new heart. You have and there won't be a new heart. You have and there won't be a new heart. You have to give them at least something. So some to give them at least something. So some to give them at least something. So some trial, some justice, you know, at least trial, some justice, you know, at least trial, some justice, you know, at least some moral soloulless is an absolute some moral soloulless is an absolute some moral soloulless is an absolute must. You can't just leave it because must. You can't just leave it because must. You can't just leave it because that hole inside them, it won't heal and that hole inside them, it won't heal and that hole inside them, it won't heal and there will be revenge like I told you.

there will be revenge like I told you. there will be revenge like I told you. and a and re the revenge of so many and a and re the revenge of so many and a and re the revenge of so many people who lost everything that people who lost everything that people who lost everything that naturally brings uh risks uh of some naturally brings uh risks uh of some naturally brings uh risks uh of some kind of ongoing military or combat kind of ongoing military or combat kind of ongoing military or combat actions you know and so forth. So it's actions you know and so forth. So it's actions you know and so forth. So it's not that simple. It doesn't just end not that simple. It doesn't just end not that simple. It doesn't just end like that. Why do we talk talk about a like that. Why do we talk talk about a like that. Why do we talk talk about a just peace? Some people ask what is a just peace? Some people ask what is a just peace? Some people ask what is a just peace? Well somehow there has to be just peace? Well somehow there has to be just peace? Well somehow there has to be justice. The guilty must be punished. justice. The guilty must be punished. justice. The guilty must be punished. At the very least, you have to show a At the very least, you have to show a At the very least, you have to show a path that it will happen. Maybe not path that it will happen. Maybe not path that it will happen. Maybe not right now, but that it will happen. It's right now, but that it will happen. It's right now, but that it will happen. It's just totally impossible to simply just totally impossible to simply just totally impossible to simply forgive and and that and you realize forgive and and that and you realize forgive and and that and you realize that you want uh to be with your kids, that you want uh to be with your kids, that you want uh to be with your kids, with your wife. Generally, you just want with your wife. Generally, you just want with your wife. Generally, you just want uh to end the war and get a little bit uh to end the war and get a little bit uh to end the war and get a little bit of a life. But if if I asked Alina, your of a life. But if if I asked Alina, your of a life. But if if I asked Alina, your wife, how you have changed wife, how you have changed wife, how you have changed on a human level because of all of this, on a human level because of all of this, on a human level because of all of this, what might she say to me?

what might she say to me? what might she say to me? >> I don't know. She'd definitely say I've >> I don't know. She'd definitely say I've >> I don't know. She'd definitely say I've changed a lot. Yeah, she tells me changed a lot. Yeah, she tells me changed a lot. Yeah, she tells me sometimes. Yeah. Well, sometimes. Yeah. Well, sometimes. Yeah. Well, >> what is she saying? She focuses on different things, you She focuses on different things, you know, different values. know, different values. know, different values. You just want somehow you want to hold on to something that you want to hold on to something that the people close to you. You really the people close to you. You really the people close to you. You really crave that warmth. crave that warmth. crave that warmth. You want to break through this uh uh in a war you fight and you're lonely. in a war you fight and you're lonely. in a war you fight and you're lonely. You know in life before this war you're You know in life before this war you're You know in life before this war you're definitely not lonely because you have definitely not lonely because you have definitely not lonely because you have friends, company, business, then maybe friends, company, business, then maybe friends, company, business, then maybe politics, but you're not lonely. I I run politics, but you're not lonely. I I run politics, but you're not lonely. I I run a country and and this is about a country and and this is about a country and and this is about something completely different right something completely different right something completely different right now. But when you now. But when you now. But when you hug your family, it's just like that.

hug your family, it's just like that. hug your family, it's just like that. Well, it means uh well, it means there Well, it means uh well, it means there Well, it means uh well, it means there are people who love you. That matters. are people who love you. That matters. are people who love you. That matters. >> Do you miss them? >> Do you miss them? >> Do you miss them? >> Very much. Very much. Pointless >> Very much. Very much. Pointless >> Very much. Very much. Pointless sentimentality. sentimentality. sentimentality. Maybe that's it. That's how it is. Years have passed, you That's how it is. Years have passed, you know, know, know, between this and this between this and this between this and this uh years years. I really I miss them uh years years. I really I miss them uh years years. I really I miss them constantly. And it feels like that even constantly. And it feels like that even constantly. And it feels like that even when they're right next to me. It's just when they're right next to me. It's just when they're right next to me. It's just this habit, this habit, this habit, this habit of doing work and focusing this habit of doing work and focusing this habit of doing work and focusing exclusively on work. Uh even exclusively on work. Uh even exclusively on work. Uh even when they're near, I miss them when they're near, I miss them when they're near, I miss them sometimes. meaning sometimes. meaning sometimes. meaning well well well again I don't like to complain and I'm again I don't like to complain and I'm again I don't like to complain and I'm not complaining I chose my own path uh not complaining I chose my own path uh not complaining I chose my own path uh and of course I didn't choose the war and of course I didn't choose the war and of course I didn't choose the war but I chose this path well but I chose this path well but I chose this path well this war it fell on my my lifetime and this war it fell on my my lifetime and this war it fell on my my lifetime and on the lifetime of our generation on the lifetime of our generation on the lifetime of our generation >> yeah >> yeah >> yeah beautiful wife and beautiful It's beautiful wife and beautiful It's beautiful wife and beautiful It's >> your daughter is um >> your daughter is um >> your daughter is um >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> your daughter she's not a child anymore.

>> your daughter she's not a child anymore. >> your daughter she's not a child anymore. >> Yeah, I suck that >> Yeah, I suck that >> Yeah, I suck that >> they've all grown up in the last four >> they've all grown up in the last four >> they've all grown up in the last four four years. four years. four years. >> She's a young lady now. >> She's a young lady now. >> She's a young lady now. >> Very much so. She really has. Yeah. >> Very much so. She really has. Yeah. >> Very much so. She really has. Yeah. Grown up. Yes. And all the children of Grown up. Yes. And all the children of Grown up. Yes. And all the children of Ukraine and it's true. I've said this. Ukraine and it's true. I've said this. Ukraine and it's true. I've said this. The children of Ukraine grew up during The children of Ukraine grew up during The children of Ukraine grew up during the war. Totally true. They are all so the war. Totally true. They are all so the war. Totally true. They are all so grown up. And it's so sad that childhood grown up. And it's so sad that childhood grown up. And it's so sad that childhood passed during a war. Well, but passed during a war. Well, but passed during a war. Well, but nonetheless, we believe in peace, peace nonetheless, we believe in peace, peace nonetheless, we believe in peace, peace will prevail anyway, 100%. And the do my will prevail anyway, 100%. And the do my will prevail anyway, 100%. And the do my daughter and I are really great friends. daughter and I are really great friends. daughter and I are really great friends. She's grown up now. And well, her She's grown up now. And well, her She's grown up now. And well, her English is better. English is better. English is better. >> Do you get to spend a lot of time with >> Do you get to spend a lot of time with >> Do you get to spend a lot of time with the kids? the kids? the kids? when there's time I I try to be with when there's time I I try to be with when there's time I I try to be with them to call we talk these days there them to call we talk these days there them to call we talk these days there are plenty of options we talk online we are plenty of options we talk online we are plenty of options we talk online we talk in different ways that's how it is talk in different ways that's how it is talk in different ways that's how it is >> is it is it possible you know gosh I um >> is it is it possible you know gosh I um >> is it is it possible you know gosh I um I've spent since I was 18 years old been I've spent since I was 18 years old been I've spent since I was 18 years old been running businesses and you know running running businesses and you know running running businesses and you know running a startup I you know I thought you know a startup I you know I thought you know a startup I you know I thought you know was a was was a challenge but it is was a was was a challenge but it is was a was was a challenge but it is incomparable from you know and I say incomparable from you know and I say incomparable from you know and I say this because I think about how that this because I think about how that this because I think about how that pulled me away from the people in my pulled me away from the people in my pulled me away from the people in my life my relationships being so obsessed life my relationships being so obsessed life my relationships being so obsessed with business, but it's just totally with business, but it's just totally with business, but it's just totally incomparable to think about what that incomparable to think about what that incomparable to think about what that must be like to try and maintain those must be like to try and maintain those must be like to try and maintain those important relationships, especially with important relationships, especially with important relationships, especially with children when your country is being children when your country is being children when your country is being invaded and you are the leader of that invaded and you are the leader of that invaded and you are the leader of that country. I I I almost can't fathom how

country. I I I almost can't fathom how country. I I I almost can't fathom how you can find moments of presence with you can find moments of presence with you can find moments of presence with them, like true presence. I understand them, like true presence. I understand them, like true presence. I understand how one might be able to like fake how one might be able to like fake how one might be able to like fake presence for a short period of time but presence for a short period of time but presence for a short period of time but true sort of intellectual presence is it true sort of intellectual presence is it true sort of intellectual presence is it is it possible differently but differently now differently but differently now absolutely but yes that presence matters absolutely but yes that presence matters absolutely but yes that presence matters and those moments you mentioned you've and those moments you mentioned you've and those moments you mentioned you've been in business since you were 18 and been in business since you were 18 and been in business since you were 18 and some I imagine of your relationships some I imagine of your relationships some I imagine of your relationships become secondary probably while business become secondary probably while business become secondary probably while business always consumes your whole life well at always consumes your whole life well at always consumes your whole life well at least it was that way for me and this least it was that way for me and this least it was that way for me and this re-evaluation from this war and these re-evaluation from this war and these re-evaluation from this war and these images and these horrific moments images and these horrific moments images and these horrific moments definitely shows me that business is definitely shows me that business is definitely shows me that business is secondary. secondary. secondary. Everything is secondary. These people Everything is secondary. These people Everything is secondary. These people right here, that's right here, that's right here, that's what matters most what matters most what matters most now that you can't get back. These years now that you can't get back. These years now that you can't get back. These years slip away and in these intense moments slip away and in these intense moments slip away and in these intense moments you remember you remember you remember these people. It's important.

>> And your wife, Alina, has been your rock >> And your wife, Alina, has been your rock through it all. I've heard you say she's through it all. I've heard you say she's through it all. I've heard you say she's been your stability throughout all of been your stability throughout all of been your stability throughout all of this, all of these crazy crazy times. this, all of these crazy crazy times. this, all of these crazy crazy times. Well, we support each other. That's Well, we support each other. That's Well, we support each other. That's true. We um we I think that I have a true. We um we I think that I have a true. We um we I think that I have a very um smart uh wife and she is so very um smart uh wife and she is so very um smart uh wife and she is so real. We have real we have real real. We have real we have real real. We have real we have real feelings. We we have love and resp and feelings. We we have love and resp and feelings. We we have love and resp and respect. I think that's very important. respect. I think that's very important. respect. I think that's very important. Um to respect each other and you know Um to respect each other and you know Um to respect each other and you know how should I put it? People should find how should I put it? People should find how should I put it? People should find each other interesting. I think that's each other interesting. I think that's each other interesting. I think that's the most important thing. People need to the most important thing. People need to the most important thing. People need to find each other interesting. find each other interesting. find each other interesting. Yeah. And we find each other very Yeah. And we find each other very Yeah. And we find each other very interesting. We feel good. We feel very interesting. We feel good. We feel very interesting. We feel good. We feel very good. good. good. >> The other um very important woman in >> The other um very important woman in >> The other um very important woman in your life, your parents are still here, your life, your parents are still here, your life, your parents are still here, but your mother but your mother but your mother >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> I heard she calls you uh almost every >> I heard she calls you uh almost every >> I heard she calls you uh almost every day. Still. day. Still. day. Still. >> Every single day.

>> Every single day. >> Every single day. >> Every day. Every single day. >> Every day. Every single day. >> Every day. Every single day. >> That's right. Every day. >> That's right. Every day. >> That's right. Every day. >> Really? Where does she's living in >> Really? Where does she's living in >> Really? Where does she's living in Ukraine still? Ukraine still? Ukraine still? >> When your mother calls you, what does >> When your mother calls you, what does >> When your mother calls you, what does she say every day? she say every day? she say every day? What is she asking you? What is she asking you? What is she asking you? >> Her first question is did did you >> Her first question is did did you >> Her first question is did did you actually pick up? >> She's already like that because I so >> She's already like that because I so often she I look God 12 missed calls. often she I look God 12 missed calls. often she I look God 12 missed calls. Mom, I'm working. I tell her 12 calls. Mom, I'm working. I tell her 12 calls. Mom, I'm working. I tell her 12 calls. How can you call someone so many times? How can you call someone so many times? How can you call someone so many times? And she keeps dialing. She'll call you And she keeps dialing. She'll call you And she keeps dialing. She'll call you all day long until I pick up. So we make all day long until I pick up. So we make all day long until I pick up. So we make sure to speak once a day. sure to speak once a day. sure to speak once a day. She asks, "How I'm feeling She asks, "How I'm feeling She asks, "How I'm feeling >> and is she worried about you?" >> and is she worried about you?" >> and is she worried about you?" >> Oh, yeah. Yeah. Yeah. How are you? How >> Oh, yeah. Yeah. Yeah. How are you? How >> Oh, yeah. Yeah. Yeah. How are you? How are you feeling? are you feeling? are you feeling? How are the kids? How are the kids? How are the kids? Tell me. Right. When is um Putin going Tell me. Right. When is um Putin going Tell me. Right. When is um Putin going to uh end the war? to uh end the war? to uh end the war? And I say, "Mom, we're doing everything And I say, "Mom, we're doing everything And I say, "Mom, we're doing everything we can."

And as things stand at the moment for And as things stand at the moment for the people don't understand what's the people don't understand what's the people don't understand what's actually going on in the ground on the actually going on in the ground on the actually going on in the ground on the ground in Ukraine, where the Russian ground in Ukraine, where the Russian ground in Ukraine, where the Russian troops currently are, what life is like troops currently are, what life is like troops currently are, what life is like on a day-to-day basis if you're a on a day-to-day basis if you're a on a day-to-day basis if you're a Ukrainian. Can you explain to me which Ukrainian. Can you explain to me which Ukrainian. Can you explain to me which parts of Ukraine are currently occupied parts of Ukraine are currently occupied parts of Ukraine are currently occupied and generally what life is like for and generally what life is like for and generally what life is like for Ukrainians at the moment? um occupied um occupied uh occupied was uh occupied was uh occupied was Cremia. Then they took the Azov that's Cremia. Then they took the Azov that's Cremia. Then they took the Azov that's an inland uh sea of ours and that's our an inland uh sea of ours and that's our an inland uh sea of ours and that's our sea. They made it Yes. They turned it sea. They made it Yes. They turned it sea. They made it Yes. They turned it into an inland sea. They took Marupo. into an inland sea. They took Marupo. into an inland sea. They took Marupo. They took Marupo. They took Berdansk. They took Marupo. They took Berdansk. They took Marupo. They took Berdansk. All of the Azov Kerch is a city on the All of the Azov Kerch is a city on the All of the Azov Kerch is a city on the Black Sea. They made it so we can't get Black Sea. They made it so we can't get Black Sea. They made it so we can't get out. Next they Oleski is where right now out. Next they Oleski is where right now out. Next they Oleski is where right now uh people and children are trapped uh people and children are trapped uh people and children are trapped without food, without anything. They without food, without anything. They without food, without anything. They won't let them through. Right now we are won't let them through. Right now we are won't let them through. Right now we are working to unblock it. There were 2,500 working to unblock it. There were 2,500 working to unblock it. There were 2,500 people left Heron. We fought to take people left Heron. We fought to take people left Heron. We fought to take back the major city of Heron. We back the major city of Heron. We back the major city of Heron. We reclaimed it. uh her son is split by the reclaimed it. uh her son is split by the reclaimed it. uh her son is split by the Nepro River. Our people live on one Nepro River. Our people live on one Nepro River. Our people live on one bank, the enemy is on the other bank and bank, the enemy is on the other bank and bank, the enemy is on the other bank and that's why they shell out Hers and that's why they shell out Hers and that's why they shell out Hers and Zaporisia's also under under our Zaporisia's also under under our Zaporisia's also under under our control. So they took

control. So they took control. So they took Cremia Donetsk region uh Luhansk region Cremia Donetsk region uh Luhansk region Cremia Donetsk region uh Luhansk region they couldn't take like uh call her son they couldn't take like uh call her son they couldn't take like uh call her son this part this part is ours. So upside this part this part is ours. So upside this part this part is ours. So upside the map is just upside down. the map is just upside down. the map is just upside down. Uh from Kharkif here this is what they Uh from Kharkif here this is what they Uh from Kharkif here this is what they call Luhansk oblast right here. This is call Luhansk oblast right here. This is call Luhansk oblast right here. This is our crators like this right here. Theyak our crators like this right here. Theyak our crators like this right here. Theyak to matifa to matifa to matifa right here. Zapuria is ours. So right here. Zapuria is ours. So right here. Zapuria is ours. So basically people can see that all of basically people can see that all of basically people can see that all of this is all of this is this is all of this is this is all of this is this is roughly this is roughly this is roughly roughly sorry I'm not very good at roughly sorry I'm not very good at roughly sorry I'm not very good at drawing. Uh all of this is all of this drawing. Uh all of this is all of this drawing. Uh all of this is all of this is roughly 18 is roughly 18 is roughly 18 18 to 19% 18 to 19% 18 to 19% of our territory. That's roughly roughly of our territory. That's roughly roughly of our territory. That's roughly roughly it roughly because their maps are one it roughly because their maps are one it roughly because their maps are one thing to be honest. They sell uh one thing to be honest. They sell uh one thing to be honest. They sell uh one story to their pe people. We have story to their pe people. We have story to their pe people. We have different maps. We believe we're right.

different maps. We believe we're right. different maps. We believe we're right. Well, naturally they have their own Well, naturally they have their own Well, naturally they have their own their own approach to talking with their own approach to talking with their own approach to talking with society and presenting information, but society and presenting information, but society and presenting information, but roughly that's what it is. roughly that's what it is. roughly that's what it is. >> And they're attacking >> And they're attacking >> And they're attacking via missiles and drones other parts of via missiles and drones other parts of via missiles and drones other parts of Ukraine constantly. Right. Ukraine constantly. Right. Ukraine constantly. Right. >> Completely. Yes. Yes. See, they're >> Completely. Yes. Yes. See, they're >> Completely. Yes. Yes. See, they're focused on Well, honestly, you could focused on Well, honestly, you could focused on Well, honestly, you could point everywhere here. They've already point everywhere here. They've already point everywhere here. They've already started today. Right here, they killed started today. Right here, they killed started today. Right here, they killed people in Lut. That's the western part people in Lut. That's the western part people in Lut. That's the western part of our country. Right here, a missile of our country. Right here, a missile of our country. Right here, a missile struck and they're hitting Keev struck and they're hitting Keev struck and they're hitting Keev uh Puluki right here. We went with the uh Puluki right here. We went with the uh Puluki right here. We went with the British secretary saw 23 people killed. British secretary saw 23 people killed. British secretary saw 23 people killed. Is under constant shelling. Uh well, Riv Is under constant shelling. Uh well, Riv Is under constant shelling. Uh well, Riv has fewer strikes. has fewer strikes. has fewer strikes. uh Leviv. This part fewer strikes here. uh Leviv. This part fewer strikes here. uh Leviv. This part fewer strikes here. This part to be honest, all of this part This part to be honest, all of this part This part to be honest, all of this part is far away from uh the line of is far away from uh the line of is far away from uh the line of occupation from the contact line and occupation from the contact line and occupation from the contact line and from the Russian Federation. So from the Russian Federation. So from the Russian Federation. So obviously the distance is great, which obviously the distance is great, which obviously the distance is great, which is why there are no massive strikes is why there are no massive strikes is why there are no massive strikes there. Yes. Well, that's roughly it.

there. Yes. Well, that's roughly it. there. Yes. Well, that's roughly it. >> What are they trying to accomplish? >> What are they trying to accomplish? >> What are they trying to accomplish? Adessa is being shelled deep alive. What Adessa is being shelled deep alive. What Adessa is being shelled deep alive. What do they want to pull out of out of the do they want to pull out of out of the do they want to pull out of out of the east of our country so that Putin and east of our country so that Putin and east of our country so that Putin and the east is here's what he wants. He the east is here's what he wants. He the east is here's what he wants. He wants basically he wants to take the wants basically he wants to take the wants basically he wants to take the city of Zaparisia but he can't. That's a city of Zaparisia but he can't. That's a city of Zaparisia but he can't. That's a target for him. Zaparisia and Mikolaf target for him. Zaparisia and Mikolaf target for him. Zaparisia and Mikolaf all targets. But he doesn't say that. He all targets. But he doesn't say that. He all targets. But he doesn't say that. He doesn't say it. But after all, we doesn't say it. But after all, we doesn't say it. But after all, we liberated those cities. We liberated and liberated those cities. We liberated and liberated those cities. We liberated and >> but have you heard directly from them >> but have you heard directly from them >> but have you heard directly from them >> right >> right >> right >> as to what their demands are? What they >> as to what their demands are? What they >> as to what their demands are? What they say that they want to to stop launching say that they want to to stop launching say that they want to to stop launching missiles? missiles? missiles? >> Yes. They basically say right here this >> Yes. They basically say right here this >> Yes. They basically say right here this entire piece. entire piece. entire piece. >> They want to take pretty much the the >> They want to take pretty much the the >> They want to take pretty much the the east of Ukraine. east of Ukraine. east of Ukraine. >> They want Yes. the east. That means they >> They want Yes. the east. That means they >> They want Yes. the east. That means they want uh Slovian. Well, these are key. want uh Slovian. Well, these are key. want uh Slovian. Well, these are key. Slovian, Kmaturk, uh, Duska and that Slovian, Kmaturk, uh, Duska and that Slovian, Kmaturk, uh, Duska and that leads right out into the Nepropet region leads right out into the Nepropet region leads right out into the Nepropet region into uh, Pavlo Nepropetk. These are the into uh, Pavlo Nepropetk. These are the into uh, Pavlo Nepropetk. These are the most cre is my hometown. Nikop is an most cre is my hometown. Nikop is an most cre is my hometown. Nikop is an industrial hub, an engineering hub, a industrial hub, an engineering hub, a industrial hub, an engineering hub, a manufacturing hub. It's the economy manufacturing hub. It's the economy manufacturing hub. It's the economy uh, of our country. And so it's very uh, of our country. And so it's very uh, of our country. And so it's very dangerous because if you surrender this dangerous because if you surrender this dangerous because if you surrender this part to them and this is this is heavily part to them and this is this is heavily part to them and this is this is heavily reinforced defense of our nation right reinforced defense of our nation right reinforced defense of our nation right here like this. And if we hand these cities

like this. And if we hand these cities of ours over to them then the risk is of ours over to them then the risk is of ours over to them then the risk is huge. if he wants to keep going, he huge. if he wants to keep going, he huge. if he wants to keep going, he could seize could seize could seize a huge a huge a huge number of our cities if he pushes number of our cities if he pushes number of our cities if he pushes further. And the risk is real. Nobody further. And the risk is real. Nobody further. And the risk is real. Nobody guarantees anything. You understand? guarantees anything. You understand? guarantees anything. You understand? Everyone talks about security Everyone talks about security Everyone talks about security guarantees. And we're open. We're guarantees. And we're open. We're guarantees. And we're open. We're completely open to that. We say, "Well, completely open to that. We say, "Well, completely open to that. We say, "Well, okay, security guarantees. Let's do okay, security guarantees. Let's do okay, security guarantees. Let's do NATO." NATO." NATO." Well, NATO, you know, the Russians. Well, NATO, you know, the Russians. Well, NATO, you know, the Russians. Well, again, they keep sending signals Well, again, they keep sending signals Well, again, they keep sending signals to the Russians because you have to give to the Russians because you have to give to the Russians because you have to give security guarantees. On top of that, security guarantees. On top of that, security guarantees. On top of that, like I told you, the biggest compromise like I told you, the biggest compromise like I told you, the biggest compromise with so many dead, the biggest with so many dead, the biggest with so many dead, the biggest compromise we're already making is a compromise we're already making is a compromise we're already making is a ceasefire. Let's just stop this war. But ceasefire. Let's just stop this war. But ceasefire. Let's just stop this war. But they want us to pull out even further. they want us to pull out even further. they want us to pull out even further. And if we pull out, where are the And if we pull out, where are the And if we pull out, where are the security guarantees? Aside from the fact security guarantees? Aside from the fact security guarantees? Aside from the fact that it's unfair, that it's unfair, that it's unfair, >> you know, you talked about the barbaric >> you know, you talked about the barbaric >> you know, you talked about the barbaric nature of how they've treated nature of how they've treated nature of how they've treated Ukrainians. Are you at all concerned Ukrainians. Are you at all concerned Ukrainians. Are you at all concerned that they might escalate using more that they might escalate using more that they might escalate using more horrific weapons like nuclear weapons at horrific weapons like nuclear weapons at horrific weapons like nuclear weapons at any point? Has that ever crossed your any point? Has that ever crossed your any point? Has that ever crossed your mind?

Well, it crosses everyone's mind after Well, it crosses everyone's mind after what they've done that they might do what they've done that they might do what they've done that they might do something worse. But as of today, well, something worse. But as of today, well, something worse. But as of today, well, I don't think they'll take the risk of I don't think they'll take the risk of I don't think they'll take the risk of using nuclear weapons because then I using nuclear weapons because then I using nuclear weapons because then I think they won't definitely I'm sure think they won't definitely I'm sure think they won't definitely I'm sure they won't have any allies left, they won't have any allies left, they won't have any allies left, including countries like America, China. including countries like America, China. including countries like America, China. Well, excuse me, but that that's far too Well, excuse me, but that that's far too Well, excuse me, but that that's far too dangerous even for nuclear powers. That dangerous even for nuclear powers. That dangerous even for nuclear powers. That means if one country can do it then if means if one country can do it then if means if one country can do it then if there's a conflict somewhere else on there's a conflict somewhere else on there's a conflict somewhere else on another continent in another theater I another continent in another theater I another continent in another theater I don't know the Middle East whatever that don't know the Middle East whatever that don't know the Middle East whatever that means if a nuclear weapon is used once means if a nuclear weapon is used once means if a nuclear weapon is used once it might be used a second and a third it might be used a second and a third it might be used a second and a third time so I don't think Putin will risk uh time so I don't think Putin will risk uh time so I don't think Putin will risk uh nuclear weapons but then again we're nuclear weapons but then again we're nuclear weapons but then again we're dealing with look we're dealing with a dealing with look we're dealing with a dealing with look we're dealing with a man and with a system that until the end man and with a system that until the end man and with a system that until the end of his days will hold on to him and he of his days will hold on to him and he of his days will hold on to him and he to it because only when his life ends to it because only when his life ends to it because only when his life ends will he leave the Kremlin and hand over will he leave the Kremlin and hand over will he leave the Kremlin and hand over well physically hand over naturally well physically hand over naturally well physically hand over naturally transfer power. I'm more than certain of transfer power. I'm more than certain of transfer power. I'm more than certain of that. regarding the the current that. regarding the the current that. regarding the the current situation this week with with Trump with situation this week with with Trump with situation this week with with Trump with Russia and this deal that's been done.

Russia and this deal that's been done. Russia and this deal that's been done. From my understanding because there's an From my understanding because there's an From my understanding because there's an energy crisis globally, Trump has now energy crisis globally, Trump has now energy crisis globally, Trump has now done a deal with Russia for diesel. He done a deal with Russia for diesel. He done a deal with Russia for diesel. He then asked you not to attack any energy then asked you not to attack any energy then asked you not to attack any energy infrastructure in Russia. infrastructure in Russia. infrastructure in Russia. >> No. >> No. >> No. >> Um there's a there's a video that I >> Um there's a there's a video that I >> Um there's a there's a video that I actually have here of him describing actually have here of him describing actually have here of him describing this which um a lot of people have have this which um a lot of people have have this which um a lot of people have have now seen. I'll play it. now seen. I'll play it. now seen. I'll play it. >> Well, I look at it differently. Zalinski >> Well, I look at it differently. Zalinski >> Well, I look at it differently. Zalinski could have settled this war many times. could have settled this war many times. could have settled this war many times. He chooses not to. Very difficult. Uh He chooses not to. Very difficult. Uh He chooses not to. Very difficult. Uh it's a war that should have never been it's a war that should have never been it's a war that should have never been started. If I were president, if the started. If I were president, if the started. If I were president, if the election weren't rigged, I would have election weren't rigged, I would have election weren't rigged, I would have been president and that war would have been president and that war would have been president and that war would have never started. We said you could do never started. We said you could do never started. We said you could do whatever you want to Russia. Don't hit whatever you want to Russia. Don't hit whatever you want to Russia. Don't hit the refineries because that's a world the refineries because that's a world the refineries because that's a world problem that's caused. And he wants to problem that's caused. And he wants to problem that's caused. And he wants to make problems for the world. He wants to make problems for the world. He wants to make problems for the world. He wants to make problems for our farmers, our make problems for our farmers, our make problems for our farmers, our ranchers with diesel fuel. because ranchers with diesel fuel. because ranchers with diesel fuel. because Russia supplies a large portion of the Russia supplies a large portion of the Russia supplies a large portion of the diesel fuel throughout the world. And we diesel fuel throughout the world. And we diesel fuel throughout the world. And we told them, "Do whatever you want, but told them, "Do whatever you want, but told them, "Do whatever you want, but don't hit the diesel fuel because don't hit the diesel fuel because don't hit the diesel fuel because there's a big crop of big shortage." And there's a big crop of big shortage." And there's a big crop of big shortage." And what does he do? He goes and hits the what does he do? He goes and hits the what does he do? He goes and hits the diesel fuel. Do what you want. Don't hit diesel fuel. Do what you want. Don't hit diesel fuel. Do what you want. Don't hit refineries. There's plenty of target.

refineries. There's plenty of target. refineries. There's plenty of target. And he went out and he hit and he's not And he went out and he hit and he's not And he went out and he hit and he's not going to affect our farmers and he's not going to affect our farmers and he's not going to affect our farmers and he's not going to affect our ranchers and he's going to affect our ranchers and he's going to affect our ranchers and he's not going to affect the rest of the not going to affect the rest of the not going to affect the rest of the world. So, uh, we he's better damn well world. So, uh, we he's better damn well world. So, uh, we he's better damn well stop. And in that he says that he thinks stop. And in that he says that he thinks stop. And in that he says that he thinks the Ukraine needs a new president. the Ukraine needs a new president. the Ukraine needs a new president. >> Yeah. Um first of all uh diesel exports >> Yeah. Um first of all uh diesel exports >> Yeah. Um first of all uh diesel exports have no impact. The volume of diesel have no impact. The volume of diesel have no impact. The volume of diesel exports is so negligible uh from Russia exports is so negligible uh from Russia exports is so negligible uh from Russia that it has zero impact on prices in the that it has zero impact on prices in the that it has zero impact on prices in the United States of America. That is United States of America. That is United States of America. That is totally false information. That's first. totally false information. That's first. totally false information. That's first. Second, it makes no sense for us to Second, it makes no sense for us to Second, it makes no sense for us to strike Russia's energy infrastructure. strike Russia's energy infrastructure. strike Russia's energy infrastructure. We retaliate because because they strike We retaliate because because they strike We retaliate because because they strike our energy infrastructure. We've spoken our energy infrastructure. We've spoken our energy infrastructure. We've spoken a lot about this. The Russians hit our a lot about this. The Russians hit our a lot about this. The Russians hit our energy grid. Our people live without energy grid. Our people live without energy grid. Our people live without power. We don't have oil, gas, diesel, power. We don't have oil, gas, diesel, power. We don't have oil, gas, diesel, and so on. That hurts them. What hurts and so on. That hurts them. What hurts and so on. That hurts them. What hurts us is electricity. They hit our us is electricity. They hit our us is electricity. They hit our electricity. We strike back at their electricity. We strike back at their electricity. We strike back at their diesel. They make money on diesel and diesel. They make money on diesel and diesel. They make money on diesel and spend it on weapons. My offer, excuse spend it on weapons. My offer, excuse spend it on weapons. My offer, excuse me, but I don't need this. I've always me, but I don't need this. I've always me, but I don't need this. I've always told President Trump, broker an energy told President Trump, broker an energy told President Trump, broker an energy ceasefire, at least on energy. At least ceasefire, at least on energy. At least ceasefire, at least on energy. At least let's give people light and good for the let's give people light and good for the let's give people light and good for the Russians. They'll sell their oil if they Russians. They'll sell their oil if they Russians. They'll sell their oil if they want to, if that's what you need. But want to, if that's what you need. But want to, if that's what you need. But President Trump can't reach an agreement President Trump can't reach an agreement President Trump can't reach an agreement with Putin on this. Putin refuses him an with Putin on this. Putin refuses him an with Putin on this. Putin refuses him an energy ceasefire. And so the president energy ceasefire. And so the president energy ceasefire. And so the president decided to pin this problem not on Putin

decided to pin this problem not on Putin decided to pin this problem not on Putin but on me explaining to his people that but on me explaining to his people that but on me explaining to his people that because of this diesel prices in America because of this diesel prices in America because of this diesel prices in America are going up. That is completely untrue are going up. That is completely untrue are going up. That is completely untrue and I don't understand. I have a good and I don't understand. I have a good and I don't understand. I have a good relationship with him with Trump and I relationship with him with Trump and I relationship with him with Trump and I think it's wrong and unacceptable that think it's wrong and unacceptable that think it's wrong and unacceptable that he pins Russia's aggression and Russia's he pins Russia's aggression and Russia's he pins Russia's aggression and Russia's killings on me. He is shifting the killings on me. He is shifting the killings on me. He is shifting the context and that's not fair. And that's context and that's not fair. And that's context and that's not fair. And that's why I honestly said that's unfair. why I honestly said that's unfair. why I honestly said that's unfair. Ceasefire. He says it's not work. They Ceasefire. He says it's not work. They Ceasefire. He says it's not work. They can't work it out. Well, if you can't can't work it out. Well, if you can't can't work it out. Well, if you can't work it out, but you need diesel, work it out, but you need diesel, work it out, but you need diesel, though. Again, I think this is just though. Again, I think this is just though. Again, I think this is just deflecting uh the focus away from Iran deflecting uh the focus away from Iran deflecting uh the focus away from Iran from what's happening in the Middle from what's happening in the Middle from what's happening in the Middle East. The entire volume is blocked over East. The entire volume is blocked over East. The entire volume is blocked over there. That's exactly where nothing is there. That's exactly where nothing is there. That's exactly where nothing is working out. Energy, the straight of working out. Energy, the straight of working out. Energy, the straight of Hormuz is blocked. That's the root of Hormuz is blocked. That's the root of Hormuz is blocked. That's the root of the problem. But everything gets shifted the problem. But everything gets shifted the problem. But everything gets shifted onto us. and I'm made the target as the onto us. and I'm made the target as the onto us. and I'm made the target as the leader of our country. So I said, "Okay, leader of our country. So I said, "Okay, leader of our country. So I said, "Okay, you can't force Putin to stop the war you can't force Putin to stop the war you can't force Putin to stop the war and make an energy truce. Give me air and make an energy truce. Give me air and make an energy truce. Give me air defense missiles.

defense missiles. defense missiles. I won't fire at anyone. I'll protect our I won't fire at anyone. I'll protect our I won't fire at anyone. I'll protect our energy sector. So where am I being energy sector. So where am I being energy sector. So where am I being unfair? In what way?" I asked him, "Give unfair? In what way?" I asked him, "Give unfair? In what way?" I asked him, "Give us missiles." Not for free. Again, not us missiles." Not for free. Again, not us missiles." Not for free. Again, not even for free. Europeans are funding even for free. Europeans are funding even for free. Europeans are funding this, funding all of it. There's an this, funding all of it. There's an this, funding all of it. There's an agreement, but he but they won't give agreement, but he but they won't give agreement, but he but they won't give them to us. They say we can't. They give them to us. They say we can't. They give them to us. They say we can't. They give and have given everything to the Middle and have given everything to the Middle and have given everything to the Middle East. East. East. Look, it's just kind of well uh it's Look, it's just kind of well uh it's Look, it's just kind of well uh it's just like like well it's unfair just like like well it's unfair just like like well it's unfair to the Middle East. Uh Patriot missiles to the Middle East. Uh Patriot missiles to the Middle East. Uh Patriot missiles uh with Putin a diesel deal. I'm uh with Putin a diesel deal. I'm uh with Putin a diesel deal. I'm expected not to respond to an energy expected not to respond to an energy expected not to respond to an energy attack on inside Ukraine and diesel attack on inside Ukraine and diesel attack on inside Ukraine and diesel prices are rising in America because of prices are rising in America because of prices are rising in America because of it's it's unfair and you need a it's it's unfair and you need a it's it's unfair and you need a different president. Well, diesel different president. Well, diesel different president. Well, diesel prices, I guarantee you 100%. Diesel prices, I guarantee you 100%. Diesel prices, I guarantee you 100%. Diesel prices don't depend on the volume that prices don't depend on the volume that prices don't depend on the volume that Russia sells. They just don't. Russia sells. They just don't. Russia sells. They just don't. >> And about 76% of Ukrainians say they >> And about 76% of Ukrainians say they >> And about 76% of Ukrainians say they wouldn't want an election now, according wouldn't want an election now, according wouldn't want an election now, according to some recent surveys as well. My last to some recent surveys as well. My last to some recent surveys as well. My last question to you, Mr. for president is question to you, Mr. for president is question to you, Mr. for president is is there a realistic path to the end of is there a realistic path to the end of is there a realistic path to the end of this war? And what does that look like?

this war? And what does that look like? this war? And what does that look like? A realistic path. A realistic path. A realistic path. Trump can bring Putin to the negotiating Trump can bring Putin to the negotiating Trump can bring Putin to the negotiating table very easily table very easily table very easily because he needs to. The way he talks because he needs to. The way he talks because he needs to. The way he talks about me, about me, about me, President Trump, he needs to adopt that President Trump, he needs to adopt that President Trump, he needs to adopt that kind of rhetoric about Putin. kind of rhetoric about Putin. kind of rhetoric about Putin. Why do you think he's not Why do you think he's not Why do you think he's not >> I don't know. Honestly, I don't know. >> I don't know. Honestly, I don't know. >> I don't know. Honestly, I don't know. He's got sanctions on his desk. It He's got sanctions on his desk. It He's got sanctions on his desk. It wasn't him voting. Congress voted for wasn't him voting. Congress voted for wasn't him voting. Congress voted for strong sanctions. He can do it. He could strong sanctions. He can do it. He could strong sanctions. He can do it. He could I don't know why. Maybe they have a I don't know why. Maybe they have a I don't know why. Maybe they have a special relationship. Maybe something special relationship. Maybe something special relationship. Maybe something else. I can't tell you. I don't know else. I can't tell you. I don't know else. I can't tell you. I don't know everything. I can only guess some everything. I can only guess some everything. I can only guess some economic deals and so on. An old re I economic deals and so on. An old re I economic deals and so on. An old re I don't know. I don't want to. Well, the don't know. I don't want to. Well, the don't know. I don't want to. Well, the midterms are coming up and I think he midterms are coming up and I think he midterms are coming up and I think he might be a little bit concerned about might be a little bit concerned about might be a little bit concerned about energy prices in America, more so than energy prices in America, more so than energy prices in America, more so than maybe Ukraine. >> Yeah. Well, uh, look, >> Yeah. Well, uh, look, diesel prices, I give you a 100%.

diesel prices, I give you a 100%. diesel prices, I give you a 100%. Diesel prices don't depend on the volume Diesel prices don't depend on the volume Diesel prices don't depend on the volume Russia sells. They don't. Americans Russia sells. They don't. Americans Russia sells. They don't. Americans export energy resources. Americans export energy resources. Americans export energy resources. Americans energy exports aren't banned for energy exports aren't banned for energy exports aren't banned for Americans. American companies export. Americans. American companies export. Americans. American companies export. It's interesting. Why do American It's interesting. Why do American It's interesting. Why do American companies e export energy? Well, because companies e export energy? Well, because companies e export energy? Well, because how can the president of the United how can the president of the United how can the president of the United States ban private sector exports? Well, States ban private sector exports? Well, States ban private sector exports? Well, I don't think he can. And why would he? I don't think he can. And why would he? I don't think he can. And why would he? It sells and money comes in. Well, just It sells and money comes in. Well, just It sells and money comes in. Well, just well do you know how life time you know all all secrets all life time you know all all secrets all mysteries always come to light. It just mysteries always come to light. It just mysteries always come to light. It just takes time. Time is definitely on the takes time. Time is definitely on the takes time. Time is definitely on the side of those who are open and ready for side of those who are open and ready for side of those who are open and ready for honest dialogue and fight. Yes. Which honest dialogue and fight. Yes. Which honest dialogue and fight. Yes. Which means time will be on our side. What are means time will be on our side. What are means time will be on our side. What are your last words your last words your last words to our audience? You know, to our audience? You know, to our audience? You know, >> I hope that it's not last words.

>> I hope that it's not last words. >> I hope that it's not last words. >> Last words for today >> Last words for today >> Last words for today in my life. in my life. in my life. >> Last words today. You know, half of our >> Last words today. You know, half of our >> Last words today. You know, half of our audience are in America. audience are in America. audience are in America. >> I wish America which finds itself in a >> I wish America which finds itself in a >> I wish America which finds itself in a very tough situation. I believe because very tough situation. I believe because very tough situation. I believe because the world has gone crazy. what's the world has gone crazy. what's the world has gone crazy. what's happening with the Russians, with Iran, happening with the Russians, with Iran, happening with the Russians, with Iran, the fact that people want blood, people the fact that people want blood, people the fact that people want blood, people want wars. I wish America would stay a want wars. I wish America would stay a want wars. I wish America would stay a great nation, be strong, be peaceful, great nation, be strong, be peaceful, great nation, be strong, be peaceful, have the chance, someone works, someone have the chance, someone works, someone have the chance, someone works, someone wants to be home with the kids, pray, wants to be home with the kids, pray, wants to be home with the kids, pray, have a family uh family dinner. I wish have a family uh family dinner. I wish have a family uh family dinner. I wish America tranquility, peace, and we're America tranquility, peace, and we're America tranquility, peace, and we're grateful for everything America has done grateful for everything America has done grateful for everything America has done for Ukraine. We won't forget this, >> President. Thank you so much. >> President. Thank you so much. >> Thank you so much. >> Thank you so much. >> Thank you so much. >> I know you've had a really rough week >> I know you've had a really rough week >> I know you've had a really rough week and it's been very tough. So, I really and it's been very tough. So, I really and it's been very tough. So, I really appreciate you taking the time. I've had appreciate you taking the time. I've had appreciate you taking the time. I've had everything going on with Starlink and everything going on with Starlink and everything going on with Starlink and the internet and the internet and the internet and >> all the challenges. So, >> all the challenges. So, >> all the challenges. So, >> normal.

>> normal. >> normal. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Thank you so much. >> Thank you so much. >> Thank you so much. >> And we really do wish you the best. We >> And we really do wish you the best. We >> And we really do wish you the best. We really wish you the best. Okay. Yes. really wish you the best. Okay. Yes. really wish you the best. Okay. Yes. Yes. And I was happy to hear to see you Yes. And I was happy to hear to see you Yes. And I was happy to hear to see you and to have a dialogue. We had good and to have a dialogue. We had good and to have a dialogue. We had good dialogue. I think I think we spoke very dialogue. I think I think we spoke very dialogue. I think I think we spoke very good. So, thank you so much. good. So, thank you so much. good. So, thank you so much. >> Thank you so much. All the best. Thank >> Thank you so much. All the best. Thank >> Thank you so much. All the best. Thank you so much. Thank you. Thank you so you so much. Thank you. Thank you so you so much. Thank you. Thank you so much. much. much. >> YouTube have this new crazy algorithm >> YouTube have this new crazy algorithm >> YouTube have this new crazy algorithm where they know exactly what video you where they know exactly what video you where they know exactly what video you would like to watch next based on AI and would like to watch next based on AI and would like to watch next based on AI and all of your viewing behavior. And the all of your viewing behavior. And the all of your viewing behavior. And the algorithm says that this video is the algorithm says that this video is the algorithm says that this video is the perfect video for you. It's different perfect video for you. It's different perfect video for you. It's different for everybody looking right now. Check for everybody looking right now. Check for everybody looking right now. Check this video out and I bet you you might this video out and I bet you you might this video out and I bet you you might love it.