The MeidasTouch Podcast

Episode: Furious Zelenskyy Puts Trump in His Place and Rejects Deal

Date: December 21, 2025
Host: MeidasTouch Network (Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas)

Overview

This episode centers on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's unequivocal rejection of Donald Trump's proposed "peace deal" with Russia, framing it as a plan of surrender rather than genuine peace. The Meiselas brothers discuss recent international support for Ukraine amid escalating Russian aggression, European and Japanese financial commitments, and how Trump's rhetoric aligns with Russian propaganda. Throughout, the brothers emphasize the contrast between robust European support and what they describe as Trump's appeasement of Vladimir Putin.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Zelenskyy’s Direct Rebuke to Trump’s “Peace” Plan

[02:29 – 07:23]

• The episode opens with a discussion on Zelenskyy's pointed public statements aimed at Trump, refuting any notion that Ukraine would capitulate to a Russian-brokered deal.
• Zelenskyy warns that signals from Moscow show preparations for an intensified war, not peace, highlighting the need for Western partners—specifically the U.S.—not to fall for Russian narratives.
  • Quote:

    “This Russian mindset must be recognized and acted upon... [Russia aims] to merely mask its desire to destroy Ukraine... Real protection is needed against this Russian case history of madness.”
    — Political Commentator reading Zelenskyy statement [03:23]

• The brothers call out Trump for proposing what they label a "peace deal" that would effectively mean surrender for Ukraine.

Intelligence Community’s Warning on Russian Intentions

[04:30 – 05:50]

• The hosts note that U.S. and allied intelligence agencies dispute Putin’s denials of wider aggression, with reports indicating that Russia has no intention of a genuine peace in Ukraine and threatens broader European security.
• They criticize Trump and his allies like Marco Rubio for undermining these intelligence assessments and spreading, in their view, Kremlin-aligned talking points.

Europe’s Massive Support Package for Ukraine

[05:51 – 08:05]

• The European Council has pledged $90 billion in financial and military aid to Ukraine for 2026 and 2027, focusing on defense, joint infrastructure, and advanced weaponry like drones and interceptors.
• The brothers celebrate Ukraine’s recent successful strikes against Russian assets, emphasizing Ukraine’s advances in intelligence and tactical warfare.

Europe’s Resolve: Statements from Zelenskyy and Polish PM Donald Tusk

[07:23 – 08:52]

• Zelenskyy expresses gratitude to Poland for unwavering support and underscores the unity required to counter Russia.
  • Quote:

    “Thank you so much, and I want using this opportunity, I’m very thankful to Poland, Polish people for significant support from the very beginning of… this war. We count it and count on your support.”
    — Zelenskyy [07:40]

• Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk delivers a stark ultimatum to Europe:
  • Quote:

    “Now we have a simple choice: either money today or blood tomorrow. And I am not talking about Ukraine only, I’m talking about Europe. And this is our decision to make and only ours.”
    — Donald Tusk [08:27]

Japan Steps Up Support

[10:22 – 12:08]

• Japan commits $6 billion to strengthen Ukraine’s defenses, with Zelenskyy lauding Japan's leadership and underscoring the importance of a rules-based international order.
• The hosts frame Japan’s engagement as being motivated by rising concerns over Chinese aggression, drawing parallels to Ukraine’s situation and warning that U.S. isolationism would embolden authoritarian regimes.

Critique of Trump's and Rubio's Stance on Ukraine

[12:08 – 13:53]

• The podcast plays and analyzes a clip of Marco Rubio minimizing American involvement, stating:
  • Quote:

    “It’s not our war. It’s a war in another continent... there’s only one nation... that can actually talk to both sides and figure out whether there’s a way to end this war peacefully, and that’s the United States.”
    — Marco Rubio [12:39]

• The brothers accuse Rubio and other GOP leaders of promoting Putin’s narrative, painting them as tools of Russian propaganda.

Trump’s Comments on Ukrainian Peace and Elections

[13:53 – 16:10]

• Trump argues that Ukraine is holding up peace, claims Russia wants a deal, and asserts—using dubious polling—that 82% of Ukrainians want a settlement.
  • Quote:

    “I hope Ukraine moves quickly because Russia’s there... It’s losing a lot of people. And it’s possible... 82% [of Ukrainians] are demanding a settlement be made.”
    — Donald Trump [15:41]

• The brothers denounce these claims as completely detached from on-the-ground realities and polling, asserting the real number is the inverse: the majority of Ukrainians reject capitulation.

Contrasting European Resolve vs. Trump’s Messaging

[16:10 – 16:59]

• Europe’s leaders—Friedrich Merz (Germany), Keir Starmer (UK)—are said to understand and respond to the Russian threat far more proactively than Trump, who is depicted as weak and isolated.
• Trump’s frequent claim he could “end the war in 24 hours” is mocked as naïve and out-of-touch with the true dynamics.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [03:23] Political Commentator (quoting Zelenskyy):
  “This Russian mindset must be recognized and acted upon... When Russia is in this mindset, it will... undermine diplomacy, seeking through diplomatic language and pressure… to merely mask its desire to destroy Ukraine.”

• [08:27] Polish PM Donald Tusk:
  “Now we have a simple choice, either money today or blood tomorrow... I am not talking about Ukraine only, I’m talking about Europe.”

• [12:39] Marco Rubio:
  “It’s not our war. It’s a war in another continent. We have engagement in this war, but it’s not our war per se.”

• [15:41] Donald Trump:
  “I think he has to be realistic... it’s possible... 82% [of Ukrainians] are demanding a settlement…”

• [16:10] Political Commentator:
  “82% do not want to give in to Russia... Europe and Ukraine have a plan and Trump looks weaker than ever. That’s where we are after this year.”

Key Timestamps for Reference

• [02:29] Start of serious discussion on Zelenskyy’s message to Trump
• [03:23] Zelenskyy’s core statement on Russian aggression
• [07:23] Zelenskyy and Donald Tusk exchange on European aid
• [08:27] Tusk’s “money today or blood tomorrow” moment
• [10:22] Japan’s financial commitment & analysis of global support
• [12:08] Marco Rubio’s statement on U.S. involvement
• [13:53] Trump’s views on a peace deal and “82%” claim
• [16:10] Hosts refute Trump’s polling claim and summarize Europe’s resolve

Tone and Style

The Meiselas brothers infuse urgency, sarcasm, and moral clarity into the discussion, employing a combination of news breakdown, pointed critique, and humor. Arguments are often bolstered by direct quotes and audio clips from world leaders, with the hosts consistently aiming to “call out” misinformation and highlight the stakes for democracy worldwide.

Summary Takeaway

The episode frames Zelenskyy’s unwavering stance against capitulation as emblematic of a larger global struggle, contrasting assertive international support with what they see as Trump’s appeasement of Russia. The brothers urge continued solidarity with Ukraine, warn against falling for Russian propaganda, and highlight the growing unity and seriousness among European allies and Japan. Trump’s and some GOP figures’ positions are painted as out-of-touch, isolated, and damaging to both Ukrainian sovereignty and the broader democratic world.