Podcast Summary: "Furious Zelenskyy Finally Turns the Tables on Trump"

Podcast: The MeidasTouch Podcast
Date: December 26, 2025
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas (MeidasTouch Network)

Episode Overview

This episode tackles the evolving dynamics of the war in Ukraine, highlighting President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s forceful Christmas Day message aimed at Vladimir Putin and, pointedly, at Donald Trump. The Meiselas brothers explore recent claims of collusion between Trump and Putin regarding Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, and analyze the increasing signs of Russian military setbacks, as well as bipartisan responses from U.S. senators to Russian aggression. The tone reflects the hosts' signature mix of humor, brotherly banter, and passionate advocacy for democracy.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Zelenskyy’s Defiant Christmas Message (02:50–05:23)

• Context: On Christmas Day, President Zelenskyy issued a stirring address, defiantly affirming Ukrainian resilience in the face of Russian aggression and highlighting unity despite immense hardship.
• Message Content: Zelenskyy’s wishes for Putin were unambiguous—"I hope you die and I hope you suffer,"—a personal condemnation extended to all responsible for Ukraine’s suffering.
• Ukrainian Strength: The message underscored Ukraine’s unbreakable spirit, asserting, "it is utterly incapable of occupying or bombing the most vital and essential thing that is our Ukrainian heart. This is our unwavering faith in one another and this is our unbreakable unity." (Zelenskyy, 03:38)
• Universal Aspiration: Despite devastation, Zelenskyy invoked hope—"We ask for peace for Ukraine... we truly deserve it." (Zelenskyy, 04:13)

2. Trump-Putin Nuclear Plant Plot (05:23–10:53)

• Revelation: Putin reportedly announced a plan for Trump and Russia to jointly manage the seized Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, explicitly excluding Ukraine.
• Crypto Angle: There are suggestions that this scheme aims to use the plant for cryptocurrency mining operations, with Trump potentially profiting.
  • “Putin is conning Trump into thinking he can mine cryptocurrency with one of Ukraine's nuclear power plants that Russia stole during the war." (10:53)
• Electrical Blackmail: Part of the joint management plan involves manipulating power supplies, possibly to further undermine Ukraine.

3. Russian Military Failures & Propaganda (06:30–09:33)

• Battlefield Reality: Ukraine has reclaimed control of Kupiansk, a major area previously claimed by Russia. Even Russian military bloggers now openly criticize Kremlin disinformation, exposing the failures of Russian forces.
• Fake News & AI Claims: Putin alleges Zelenskyy’s presence near Kupiansk was “AI fake news,” reflecting how Kremlin propaganda is spiraling further from fact.
  • "Putin, like Trump, said, 'We've never been stronger. We're conquering everything.'" (07:26)

4. International & Domestic Responses (10:53–15:14)

• Atrocities Continue: Despite global condemnation, Russia bombed Ukrainian civilian areas over Christmas, causing multiple casualties.
  • “Over the past day alone, Russian missiles and drones killed civilians in Odessa, the Kharkiv region, the Cherni region and Kershaw with others injured in Zaporizhzhia and Sumy." (11:50)
• Historic Evidence: Declassified US documents reveal Putin has denied Ukraine’s statehood since as early as 2008, indicating a long-standing imperial agenda.
• Bipartisan U.S. Support: Democratic and Republican senators released a joint statement condemning Russian actions, labeling Russia “the obvious aggressor.”
  • “It’s good to see Republicans and Democrats…at least joining together to make that statement while Donald Trump was out there saying Russia wants peace and Putin wants peace. It’s up to Zelenskyy.” (13:35)
• Ongoing War: The hosts emphasize that with Putin still in power, the war's only likely end is his removal—“This war will never end with Putin in the Kremlin.”

5. Ukrainian Ingenuity and Morale

• Drone Warfare: Ukrainian forces have been lauded for their creative, effective use of drone swarms to halt Russian advances.
• Morale on the Frontlines: Western leaders and analysts express admiration for Ukraine’s defenders, especially during the difficult holiday period.

6. Skepticism on Authoritarianism

• Discussion on how Trump and Putin’s propensity to surround themselves with sycophants leads to strategic incompetence, inadvertently benefiting Ukraine and global democracy.

Most Notable Quotes & Moments

• Zelenskyy’s Christmas Address:

  • “Despite all the immense hardships and tragedies that Russia has brought upon us, it is utterly incapable of occupying or bombing the most vital and essential thing that is our Ukrainian heart. This is our unwavering faith in one another and this is our unbreakable unity.”
    (Volodymyr Zelenskyy, 03:38)
  • “We are celebrating Christmas during a very difficult time. Unfortunately, not all of us are able to be home this evening and, and sadly not everyone even has a home.”
    (Volodymyr Zelenskyy, 03:28)
  • “We ask for peace for Ukraine. We are fighting for this and we are praying for this and we truly deserve it.”
    (Volodymyr Zelenskyy, 04:13)

• On Russian Military Propaganda:

  • “Providing false reports. You see Putin, like Trump said, we've never been stronger. We're conquering everything. We control the land. When Zelenskyy was at Kupian two weeks ago, Putin said that's fake news. That's AI Zelenskyy.” (Commentator/Host, 07:26)

• On the Trump/Putin Nuclear Plot:

  • “Putin is conning Trump into thinking he can mine cryptocurrency with one of Ukraine's nuclear power plants that Russia stole during the war.”
    (Jane Kee quoted by Political Analyst, 10:53)

• Condemning Russian Atrocities:

  • “Mass murder and terrorism is Russian culture in its purest form. Even on Christmas, Russians continue their deliberate assault on Ukraine's civilian population."
    (Ukraine’s Prime Minister, 11:50 paraphrased)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:50] Zelenskyy’s Christmas Message: direct condemnation of Putin and call for Ukrainian unity
• [03:28–05:23] Full Zelenskyy holiday speech
• [05:23–10:53] Analysis: Trump/Putin joint control of Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant and crypto mining angle
• [06:30–09:33] Russian propaganda debunked, battlefield realities in Kupiansk
• [10:53–15:14] Russian atrocities over Christmas, historic context, bipartisan US response, reflections on Putin’s imperial ambitions

Conclusion

This episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast delivers a detailed, passionate examination of the latest developments in Ukraine, foregrounding President Zelenskyy’s heartfelt appeal and the deepening connection between the Trump and Putin camps. The hosts underscore the resilience of Ukraine’s people and the importance of bipartisan solidarity in confronting Russian aggression, all while blending critical analysis with their trademark energy and humor.