Former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba

Amanpour (CNN Podcasts)

Episode Date: November 26, 2025
Host: Christiane Amanpour
Guests: Former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, actors Mark Strong & Lesley Manville, country musician Kenny Chesney

Episode Overview

This episode of Amanpour tackles some of the most pressing issues in global affairs, blending high-stakes current events with cutting-edge cultural coverage.

First Segment: Christiane Amanpour interviews Ukraine’s former foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba, on controversial US-led peace negotiations and the leaked diplomatic transcripts suggesting US envoys may be accommodating Russia’s demands in Ukraine.
Second Segment: Amanpour sits down with Mark Strong and Lesley Manville, stars of a new contemporary adaptation of Sophocles’ Oedipus on Broadway, discussing its resonant political and emotional themes.
Third Segment: Walter Isaacson talks with country music superstar Kenny Chesney about his memoir, musical journey, and recent induction to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Key Segments and Insights

1. Ukraine, US, and the "Trump Peace Plan"

[00:39–08:22, 13:27–22:04]

The Setting

Reports emerge that Steve Witkoff, US special envoy, is allegedly coaching a Putin aide on how to extract maximum concessions over Ukraine.
Trump administration’s peace plan is widely criticized for resembling "Putin’s wish list":
- Blocking Ukraine’s NATO membership
- Reducing Ukrainian armed forces
- Handing over all Donbas territory, including what Russia doesn’t control.

Main Discussion Points

Kuleba’s skepticism and historical context:

“There is kind of a deja vu effect where things just repeat, repeat themselves... and they failed before. I believe this is going to fail as well.” — Dmytro Kuleba [03:57]
Who really decides Ukraine’s fate:

“Whether Ukraine can or cannot be sold out will not be decided in Moscow nor in Washington. It will be decided in Ukraine and in the European Union.” — Dmytro Kuleba [04:16]
On European responsibility:

“It’s not enough to be steadfast. Europe has to act faster...seizing Russian frozen assets, unblocking accession talks for Ukraine...If Europe wants to be respected and heard, it has to act.” — Dmytro Kuleba [05:50]

Memorable Quotes

On the course of war:

“Russia is slow, Ukraine is solid. But Russia is still making progress...We are strong enough not to allow the collapse of the front line, but we are not strong enough to stop their advancement.” — Dmytro Kuleba [06:54]
On US envoy’s role:

“For me, from the diplomatic experience perspective, this episode just reaffirms how strongly Mr. Witkov is trying to help Russia in the effort to end the war and influence the flow of events inside Trump's team.” — Dmytro Kuleba [15:37]
On the authenticity of the peace plan:

“That 28 point plan is a list of Russian ultimatums blended with American ideas on how to make these ultimatums look better...If it looks like a duck and walks like a duck—it's probably a duck.” — Dmytro Kuleba [17:53–18:27]

On US Reliability and Dignity

“We have to make a really difficult decision between our dignity and between a strong ally.” — Quoting Zelenskyy, paraphrased by Amanpour [19:10]
Kuleba’s response to trust in US support and the role of leaks:

“This leak is a turning point...I think we can bury the 28 point plan because it's discredited...It's very hard to imagine how you can actually move on from here now.” — Dmytro Kuleba [19:22]

2. Oedipus on Broadway: Tragedy, Politics, and Modernity

[22:04–39:13]

Setting the Stage

Mark Strong and Lesley Manville discuss a new production of Oedipus set as a contemporary political thriller.

Key Points & Quotes

On modernizing classics:

“The idea of modernizing it and making it contemporary is not so outlandish... it suits the political kind of framework that he's put it in because he makes Oedipus... a guy who's about to win a landslide election.” — Mark Strong [23:17]
Timelessness of tragedy:

“You do...You're looking at the clock and you think, there's so much to find out. And there's two and a half minutes left, so where is this going to go?” — Lesley Manville [30:25]
Audience reaction:

“The audience are thrown into a chaos of their own because on one hand there's the moralist in you...But then other people say, well, they've been doing it for 23 years. They've made a family.” — Lesley Manville [25:17]
On truth and destruction:

“You're also asking the audience how they feel about the fact that this man's need and search for the truth actually destroys everything that they have.” — Mark Strong [26:44]
On Freud and the “Oedipus complex”:

“It's just a theory, isn't it? It's just an idea. Do we believe it? ... I'm not so sure.” — Mark Strong [34:03]

Memorable Moments

Discussion about the “truth seeking missile” aspect of Oedipus and its political resonance for today [26:11–26:44]
Lesley Manville’s passionate take on the theater experience and resisting the urge to break the play’s emotional “spell” with curtain call photos:

“Let's not make everything about cameras and Instagram and social media. This is theatre. Let it cook and feel it.” — Lesley Manville [38:21]

3. Kenny Chesney: Memoir, Music, and Meaning

[40:34–55:16]

Kenny Chesney's Roots and Inspirations

Early influences:

“I had three roads that I went down as a kid. I knew the road to church, I knew the road to school, and I knew the road to the ballpark.” — Kenny Chesney [41:31]
On childhood dreams:

“It wasn't necessarily dreaming of music. It was just dreaming to dream. And it wasn't that I wanted to leave, it was just that I wanted what was out there.” — Kenny Chesney [41:49]

Creative Evolution

Embracing musical diversity:

“I'm a true believer that the music that you digest as a child and as a young adult...what comes out of you as an adult is a direct reflection.” — Kenny Chesney [43:10]
On Jimmy Buffett’s influence:

“Jimmy created space for my dream...He showed me that, wow, I could have a big dream too.” — Kenny Chesney [44:32]
On finding authenticity:

“When I was able to do that around 2002...That's when my life changed. That's when I started being very authentic.” — Kenny Chesney [46:04–47:08]

Songwriting and Artistic Meaning

Painting honest pictures in music:

“The job is to take a slice of life, write all about it, slice it down to what matters, and cut that feeling wide open.” — Kenny Chesney (quoted by Walter Isaacson) [51:11]
Story behind “Beer in Mexico”:

“That was a true snapshot of my soul at the time...And that's one of the few songs that I've written where that was that authentically true.” — Kenny Chesney [52:10–53:45]

Country Music Hall of Fame Induction

On recognition and gratitude:

“It still blows my mind...Walking into that rotunda where all these plaques are on the wall of some of your friends and a lot of your heroes...And then you take a group shot with all the living members, and all of a sudden you're in that group.” — Kenny Chesney [53:48–55:16]

Notable Quotes By Topic, with Timestamps

Ukraine & Politics

“It's not enough just to be steadfast. Things need to change if we really want to stop Russia.” — Dmytro Kuleba [07:10]
“If it looks like a duck and walks like a duck, it's probably a duck.” — Dmytro Kuleba [18:27]

Theater & Truth

“You're also asking the audience how they feel about the fact that this man's need and search for the truth actually destroys everything that they have.” — Mark Strong [26:44]
“Let's not make everything about cameras and Instagram and social media. This is theatre. Let it cook and feel it.” — Lesley Manville [38:21]

Music & Life

“I truly believe that all of us, when we hear music, we like it to be authentic. And when it comes to music, we're all pretty much suckers for the truth.” — Kenny Chesney [46:04]
“You have all these people that you look up to...then one day, you become actual friends with them on some level...and I'm very thankful for that.” — Kenny Chesney [50:01]

Timestamps for Major Segments

| Time | Segment | Key Focus | |--------------|------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------| | 00:35–02:54 | Amanpour intro/Ukraine setup | Leaked transcripts, peace plan controversy | | 03:57–08:22 | Interview: Dmytro Kuleba | Analysis of Trump plan, EU action, Ukraine's agency | | 13:27–22:04 | Kuleba on leaks, US role | Diplomatic fallout, seriousness of leaks, trust issues | | 22:04–39:13 | Oedipus Broadway segment | Political relevance, acting, modern adaptation | | 40:34–55:16 | Kenny Chesney interview | Memoir, influences, finding musical authenticity |

Overall Tone

Christiane Amanpour: Probing, critical, deeply engaged
Dmytro Kuleba: Analytical, forthright, urgent, measured optimism for Ukraine through agency and decisiveness
Mark Strong & Lesley Manville: Intellectual, passionate, humorous yet reflective
Kenny Chesney: Warm, humble, grateful, revealing

For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

This episode delivers a multifaceted experience:

A sobering, insider look at the state of Ukraine diplomacy (and potential American-Russian power play).
An invigorating cultural conversation linking ancient theater with modern politics and personal truth.
An authentic musical memoir, with Kenny Chesney reflecting on creativity, authenticity, and what it means to chase a dream.

With direct, memorable quotes and frank assessments, each segment offers both expertise and humanity—whether you’re concerned with geopolitics, the politics of the stage, or the timeless search for meaning in music and life.

Amanpour (CNN Podcasts)

Episode Date: November 26, 2025
Host: Christiane Amanpour
Guests: Former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, actors Mark Strong & Lesley Manville, country musician Kenny Chesney

Episode Overview

This episode of Amanpour tackles some of the most pressing issues in global affairs, blending high-stakes current events with cutting-edge cultural coverage.

First Segment: Christiane Amanpour interviews Ukraine’s former foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba, on controversial US-led peace negotiations and the leaked diplomatic transcripts suggesting US envoys may be accommodating Russia’s demands in Ukraine.
Second Segment: Amanpour sits down with Mark Strong and Lesley Manville, stars of a new contemporary adaptation of Sophocles’ Oedipus on Broadway, discussing its resonant political and emotional themes.
Third Segment: Walter Isaacson talks with country music superstar Kenny Chesney about his memoir, musical journey, and recent induction to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Key Segments and Insights

1. Ukraine, US, and the "Trump Peace Plan"

[00:39–08:22, 13:27–22:04]

The Setting

Reports emerge that Steve Witkoff, US special envoy, is allegedly coaching a Putin aide on how to extract maximum concessions over Ukraine.
Trump administration’s peace plan is widely criticized for resembling "Putin’s wish list":
- Blocking Ukraine’s NATO membership
- Reducing Ukrainian armed forces
- Handing over all Donbas territory, including what Russia doesn’t control.

Main Discussion Points

Kuleba’s skepticism and historical context:

“There is kind of a deja vu effect where things just repeat, repeat themselves... and they failed before. I believe this is going to fail as well.” — Dmytro Kuleba [03:57]
Who really decides Ukraine’s fate:

“Whether Ukraine can or cannot be sold out will not be decided in Moscow nor in Washington. It will be decided in Ukraine and in the European Union.” — Dmytro Kuleba [04:16]
On European responsibility:

“It’s not enough to be steadfast. Europe has to act faster...seizing Russian frozen assets, unblocking accession talks for Ukraine...If Europe wants to be respected and heard, it has to act.” — Dmytro Kuleba [05:50]

Memorable Quotes

On the course of war:

“Russia is slow, Ukraine is solid. But Russia is still making progress...We are strong enough not to allow the collapse of the front line, but we are not strong enough to stop their advancement.” — Dmytro Kuleba [06:54]
On US envoy’s role:

“For me, from the diplomatic experience perspective, this episode just reaffirms how strongly Mr. Witkov is trying to help Russia in the effort to end the war and influence the flow of events inside Trump's team.” — Dmytro Kuleba [15:37]
On the authenticity of the peace plan:

“That 28 point plan is a list of Russian ultimatums blended with American ideas on how to make these ultimatums look better...If it looks like a duck and walks like a duck—it's probably a duck.” — Dmytro Kuleba [17:53–18:27]

On US Reliability and Dignity

“We have to make a really difficult decision between our dignity and between a strong ally.” — Quoting Zelenskyy, paraphrased by Amanpour [19:10]
Kuleba’s response to trust in US support and the role of leaks:

“This leak is a turning point...I think we can bury the 28 point plan because it's discredited...It's very hard to imagine how you can actually move on from here now.” — Dmytro Kuleba [19:22]

2. Oedipus on Broadway: Tragedy, Politics, and Modernity

[22:04–39:13]

Setting the Stage

Mark Strong and Lesley Manville discuss a new production of Oedipus set as a contemporary political thriller.

Key Points & Quotes

On modernizing classics:

“The idea of modernizing it and making it contemporary is not so outlandish... it suits the political kind of framework that he's put it in because he makes Oedipus... a guy who's about to win a landslide election.” — Mark Strong [23:17]
Timelessness of tragedy:

“You do...You're looking at the clock and you think, there's so much to find out. And there's two and a half minutes left, so where is this going to go?” — Lesley Manville [30:25]
Audience reaction:

“The audience are thrown into a chaos of their own because on one hand there's the moralist in you...But then other people say, well, they've been doing it for 23 years. They've made a family.” — Lesley Manville [25:17]
On truth and destruction:

“You're also asking the audience how they feel about the fact that this man's need and search for the truth actually destroys everything that they have.” — Mark Strong [26:44]
On Freud and the “Oedipus complex”:

“It's just a theory, isn't it? It's just an idea. Do we believe it? ... I'm not so sure.” — Mark Strong [34:03]

Memorable Moments

Discussion about the “truth seeking missile” aspect of Oedipus and its political resonance for today [26:11–26:44]
Lesley Manville’s passionate take on the theater experience and resisting the urge to break the play’s emotional “spell” with curtain call photos:

“Let's not make everything about cameras and Instagram and social media. This is theatre. Let it cook and feel it.” — Lesley Manville [38:21]

3. Kenny Chesney: Memoir, Music, and Meaning

[40:34–55:16]

Kenny Chesney's Roots and Inspirations

Early influences:

“I had three roads that I went down as a kid. I knew the road to church, I knew the road to school, and I knew the road to the ballpark.” — Kenny Chesney [41:31]
On childhood dreams:

“It wasn't necessarily dreaming of music. It was just dreaming to dream. And it wasn't that I wanted to leave, it was just that I wanted what was out there.” — Kenny Chesney [41:49]

Creative Evolution

Embracing musical diversity:

“I'm a true believer that the music that you digest as a child and as a young adult...what comes out of you as an adult is a direct reflection.” — Kenny Chesney [43:10]
On Jimmy Buffett’s influence:

“Jimmy created space for my dream...He showed me that, wow, I could have a big dream too.” — Kenny Chesney [44:32]
On finding authenticity:

“When I was able to do that around 2002...That's when my life changed. That's when I started being very authentic.” — Kenny Chesney [46:04–47:08]

Songwriting and Artistic Meaning

Painting honest pictures in music:

“The job is to take a slice of life, write all about it, slice it down to what matters, and cut that feeling wide open.” — Kenny Chesney (quoted by Walter Isaacson) [51:11]
Story behind “Beer in Mexico”:

“That was a true snapshot of my soul at the time...And that's one of the few songs that I've written where that was that authentically true.” — Kenny Chesney [52:10–53:45]

Country Music Hall of Fame Induction

On recognition and gratitude:

“It still blows my mind...Walking into that rotunda where all these plaques are on the wall of some of your friends and a lot of your heroes...And then you take a group shot with all the living members, and all of a sudden you're in that group.” — Kenny Chesney [53:48–55:16]

Notable Quotes By Topic, with Timestamps

Ukraine & Politics

“It's not enough just to be steadfast. Things need to change if we really want to stop Russia.” — Dmytro Kuleba [07:10]
“If it looks like a duck and walks like a duck, it's probably a duck.” — Dmytro Kuleba [18:27]

Theater & Truth

“You're also asking the audience how they feel about the fact that this man's need and search for the truth actually destroys everything that they have.” — Mark Strong [26:44]
“Let's not make everything about cameras and Instagram and social media. This is theatre. Let it cook and feel it.” — Lesley Manville [38:21]

Music & Life

“I truly believe that all of us, when we hear music, we like it to be authentic. And when it comes to music, we're all pretty much suckers for the truth.” — Kenny Chesney [46:04]
“You have all these people that you look up to...then one day, you become actual friends with them on some level...and I'm very thankful for that.” — Kenny Chesney [50:01]

Timestamps for Major Segments

Overall Tone

Christiane Amanpour: Probing, critical, deeply engaged
Dmytro Kuleba: Analytical, forthright, urgent, measured optimism for Ukraine through agency and decisiveness
Mark Strong & Lesley Manville: Intellectual, passionate, humorous yet reflective
Kenny Chesney: Warm, humble, grateful, revealing

For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

This episode delivers a multifaceted experience:

A sobering, insider look at the state of Ukraine diplomacy (and potential American-Russian power play).
An invigorating cultural conversation linking ancient theater with modern politics and personal truth.
An authentic musical memoir, with Kenny Chesney reflecting on creativity, authenticity, and what it means to chase a dream.

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Summary

Amanpour (CNN Podcasts)

Episode Overview

Key Segments and Insights

1. Ukraine, US, and the "Trump Peace Plan"

The Setting

Main Discussion Points

Memorable Quotes

On US Reliability and Dignity

2. Oedipus on Broadway: Tragedy, Politics, and Modernity

Setting the Stage

Key Points & Quotes

Memorable Moments

3. Kenny Chesney: Memoir, Music, and Meaning

Kenny Chesney's Roots and Inspirations

Creative Evolution

Songwriting and Artistic Meaning

Country Music Hall of Fame Induction

Notable Quotes By Topic, with Timestamps

Timestamps for Major Segments

Overall Tone

For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

Summary

Amanpour (CNN Podcasts)

Episode Overview

Key Segments and Insights

1. Ukraine, US, and the "Trump Peace Plan"

The Setting

Main Discussion Points

Memorable Quotes

On US Reliability and Dignity

2. Oedipus on Broadway: Tragedy, Politics, and Modernity

Setting the Stage

Key Points & Quotes

Memorable Moments

3. Kenny Chesney: Memoir, Music, and Meaning

Kenny Chesney's Roots and Inspirations

Creative Evolution

Songwriting and Artistic Meaning

Country Music Hall of Fame Induction

Notable Quotes By Topic, with Timestamps

Timestamps for Major Segments

Overall Tone

For Listeners Who Missed the Episode