“This is Bullshit, Sorry”: Zelenskyy Discusses Appeasing Putin, Ceasefire and More in Lex Fridman Interview

The interview is available on YouTube with options for Ukrainian, Russian, and English subtitles. Viewers can also watch the original version, where the speakers switch between languages during the conversation.

The conversation, described as a mix of three languages, began with Fridman acknowledging his own proficiency in Russian, a language he claimed is spoken by “the majority of Ukrainians.” However, Zelenskyy declined Fridman’s offer to conduct the discussion in Russian and settled for a mix of three languages.

“Today, there were 73 missile strikes against us. People died. Over 100 drones were launched today alone. This is a daily reality,” Zelenskyy said during the interview. “These attacks are carried out by people who speak Russian, targeting others they once claimed to be 'protecting.' This is why I do not respect today’s leadership in Russia or its people.” He added that he could clarify certain points in Russian if necessary but chose to speak primarily in Ukrainian.

Fridman introduced the interview by expressing his hope of contributing to peace in some small way.

“I believe Presidents Zelenskyy, Putin, and Trump should meet soon after January 20 to negotiate a ceasefire and establish security guarantees that pave the way for long-term peace,” Fridman said. “During our conversation, we discussed several such ideas. This trip to Kyiv and our discussion were deeply meaningful moments in my life.”

Throughout the lengthy three-hour interview, Zelenskyy addressed numerous pressing issues. Topics ranged from NATO and security guarantees for Ukraine to US military aid, martial law, and upcoming elections. The President also spoke about North Korea’s involvement in the war, Donald Trump’s inauguration, and prospects for peace negotiations.

Zelenskyy shared personal reflections, including stories about his family during World War II, and criticized the United States for its approach before Russia’s full-scale invasion. He argued that instead of issuing repeated warnings in late 2021 and early 2022, Ukraine’s partners should have implemented sanctions to deter Russian aggression.

“I only asked for two things, send us weapons, or better yet, strengthen us with preventive measures so there would be no war. It wasn’t the weapons that I was asking for, I asked for sanctions. Intimidate him, please don’t say that if he comes, if he crosses borders, if he kills, we’re imposing sanctions. Well, this is complete bullshit. Sorry, but really.”

On NATO, Zelenskyy admitted that Ukraine’s potential membership might exclude occupied territories but emphasized that such discussions are negotiable.

"NATO means strong security guarantees—for all of us. It’s a cornerstone of safety,” he stated.

The President also revealed that Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko called to apologize after Russia used Belarusian territory to launch its invasion.

Zelenskyy disclosed that approximately 3,800 North Korean soldiers fighting for Russia have been killed or injured in the war. He also criticized the Budapest Memorandum, dismissing the security guarantees it promised as empty words.

“After the occupation of Donbas and Crimea, Ukraine sent letters to all security guarantors—America, Britain, Russia, France, China. According to the memorandum, consultations were required when our territorial integrity was violated. Did anyone respond? Did anyone come? Did anyone hold consultations? No,” he stated, condemning the global indifference.

Switching briefly to Russian, he added: “No one cared. It’s as simple as that. Just like in Russian, 'похеру'—that’s how much everyone cared about this country, its people, and these so-called guarantees.”

Editor’s Note: This is a developing story.