President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky gave an extensive interview to American podcaster Lex Friedman, which was distinguished by its heightened emotionality.
URA-Inform reports this with reference to Charter97.
The head of state spoke about the first days of the war with Russia, mentioned the US promises before the invasion, using harsh expressions, for the first time admitted in a conversation with Alexander Lukashenko, who, according to him, apologized for the strikes on Ukraine from the territory of Belarus. Zelensky also hinted at the possibility of a visit to the US at the end of January.
The podcast format influenced the style of communication. The emotionality may have been excessive in places, but it was in keeping with the genre, where sincerity and liveliness of conversation play a key role. Some statements that sparked discussions in the Ukrainian segment of social networks could have been made taking into account the specific audience and the style of the format, rather than spontaneously.
The main goal of the interview, apparently, was not the Ukrainian audience, but the American one, especially Donald Trump supporters. The conversation included political signals to the new administration in the White House and attempts to influence public opinion, in particular Trump's electorate. This is a strategic move aimed at establishing a connection with the new government in the United States and discussing the conditions for ending the war.
If Zelensky's visit to the United States, which he mentioned, takes place in January and leads to negotiations with Trump, and then to discussions with Russia, this will be proof that the interview played a role in achieving Ukraine's diplomatic goals.
At the same time, the Bundestag announced important negotiations on the war in Ukraine: the date has been named.
