Furious Zelenskyy Puts Trump in His Place and Rejects Deal

Summary

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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)

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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

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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.

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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.

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Transcript

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[Political Commentator]

Ukraine's President Zelensky, European leaders, the Prime Minister of Japan. They're punching back hard right into Donald Trump's face, exposing his weakness and saying we're not giving in to you and Vladimir Putin and others who are trying to get us to surrender. Not today, not next year, not ever. Donald Zelensky had a powerful message, clearly directed At Trump saying, you want to know what's really going on, Donald, here's what Zelinsky wrote. Today we again heard signals from Moscow that they are preparing to make next year a year of war. These signals are not only for us. It is crucial that our partners see them and not only see them, but also respond. Especially partners in the United States who often say that Russia wants to end the the war. Yet the signals coming from Russia are the exact opposite. Donald. Take the form of official orders to their armies clearly being directed at Donald, like stop buying the Russian propaganda. This Russian mindset must be recognized and acted upon. When Russia is in this mindset, it will also undermine diplomacy, seeking through diplomatic language and pressure over specific points in documents to merely mask its desire to destroy Ukraine and Ukrainians and its desire to legitimize Russians theft of our land. And then come other countries in Europe which someone in Russia might one day label their so called historical lands. Real protection is needed against this Russian case history of madness. And we will continue working with all our partners to ensure that protection is his place. In other words, no deal, Donald, we're not capitulating. Stop putting forward these plans that you're calling peace deals that are actually plans of surrender. And by the way, this leaked out as well yesterday, a story that came out in Reuters. And I don't think the timing is coincidental. I think you have all of these intelligence agencies in Europe, the uk, Australia, Canada, Ukraine elsewhere, getting this message out. So US Intelligence reports contradict Putin's denials of being a threat to Europe. Assessment of Russia's intention, as the US Intelligence assesses it, is similar to what the British and European security services believe, that Russia has no intention of ever making peace with Ukraine and then wants to take over all of Europe. That's what the United States intelligence services say. While Donald Trump and Marco Rubio and this pathetic regime work against our own intelligence services. So what's actually going down in Europe? Well, European Council, the European Council made a very important and bold decision the end of last week to provide Ukraine with financial support of $90 billion for 2026 and 2027. This is going to help with joint infrastructure projects. It will strengthen Ukraine's combat, aviation and defense projects. And it will work to help build out more drones and interceptors. And boy, have those been used with a great degree of accuracy and tenacity. Just this past week, a Russian shadow fleet tanker. They're no longer safe anywhere. As Sprovdi says, the security service have. Ukraine has for the first time successfully struck a tanker belonging to Russia's so called shadow fleet in neutral waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Wherever the Russians are, Ukraine knows exactly where that shadow fleet is. So let me show you what went down here. You have President Zelensky, you have him meeting with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and you'll hear Zelensky saying Europe just came through big because that $90 billion commitment is going to be very helpful and needed for Ukraine that knows that next year is a year that Russia wants to amplify its war. And with the United States right now basically being on Putin's side and with Trump going against our own intelligence service, this is exactly what was needed right now. Here is what Zelinsky said in the meeting that just took place with Poland's Prime Minister. Let's take a look.

[Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk]

And I think that Europe showed leadership and this is very important and tough, strong position. Thank you, thank you. That you supported us. That mean for us to Poland supported us and we heard your voice and your messages without any kind of, you understand, balancing between right or not right decisions. So 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 the beginning of this war. We count it and count on your support and we are thankful for our unity.

[Political Commentator]

Now here's what Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk had to say and what he said is it's either money today or blood tomorrow. And Europe chooses to defend Ukraine because Ukraine is Europe and Europe is Ukraine. Play this clip.

[Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk]

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. I think all European leaders have to finally rise to this occasion. And this is all what I can say today.

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[Political Commentator]

President Zelensky also thanks Prime Minister Takahishi of Japan that provided $6 billion that will strengthen Ukrainian defenses against Russian aggression. We greatly appreciate that Japan takes such a leadership position globally. This is a significant contribution to our resilience. The international order is essential to prevent Russia's twisted war policy from from continuing anywhere. Now, President Zelensky chose those words very carefully. International rules based order. What's happening here as well is that Japan also recognizes again as Donald Trump is in his own little Trump suck up to Putin world. Japan is very vulnerable now to China and Taiwan is very vulnerable to China. As Donald Trump is a Xi Jinping bootlicker the same way he is of Vladimir Putin. These guys are playing Trump like a fiddle. So Japan also recognizes that right now it's Russia, China. So for Japan, it's Japan, Ukraine, Europe, uk, Australia, Canada and the US Is out there with Donald Trump said golden Ballroom, Golden Ballroom, triumphal architecture. Just do what Putin says. So that's, that's the broader dynamic going on here. You have Marco Rubio, Secretary of State, says the following. He goes up it's not our war, it's a war on another continent. As Jane Kee writes, Trump regime nothing more than a tool of Putin's propaganda machine. Here, play this clip.

[Marco Rubio]

There's a reason why this war hasn't ended and that is because there's complex factors at play. I know that sounds like a throwaway line, but it's true. What we have tried to do in this entire process, and let's be clear about this, I mean the United States is engaged in this. It's the president says this and I'll translate what I think, you know, he's trying to say to you in all of this. And I think he's been pretty clear about is it's not our war. It's a war in another continent. We have equities. We have engagement in this war, but it's not our war per se. But we have been told by everybody, I think everybody would agree, that there's only one nation on earth, there's only one entity on earth 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.

[Political Commentator]

And speaking of it being nothing more than a Putin propaganda machine, you had Donald Trump saying, look, Ukraine better move quickly on a peace deal with Russia because Putin wants peace. Putin's already agreed. And it's really Zelensky who's holding things up. What delusional world are you living in, Donald? President Zelensky and Ukraine have always agreed to an immediate ceasefire. It's Russia who doesn't agree to the secrets. Russia who invaded first and foremost. Let's not get that twisted. Ukraine didn't invade itself. Russia invaded Ukraine to conquer the land and then go after Europe. The rest of Europe next, number one. Number two, we all know what's going down here, Donald. We all know what's really happening. And let's just take a look at what Donald Trump says, is that they're getting close to something. I hope Ukraine moves quickly. Russia is saying that it wants no peace. It wants to conquer all of eastern Ukraine. That's what Russia is saying Here, play this clip.

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Well, they're getting close to something, but I hope Ukraine moves quickly. I hope Ukraine moves quickly because Russia's there. And, you know, every time they take too much stand, then Russia changes them. 27,000 soldiers were killed last month.

[Political Commentator]

And even you have Putin, you know, giving a speech earlier this week. Putin said, we want all of our historical territories back. Ukraine doesn't belong to you. Our special operation must be completed. If you listen to what Putin. Dimitri, what. What Yuri Yushakov says. If you listen to what Kirill Dimitriev says, if you listen to what Ser Jay Lavrov says, listen to these people. They're all saying that they want to take over Ukraine and take over Europe. We just listen to what they're saying. And then, you know, it's just interesting. Like, as Donald, the same way Trump's, like, I've gotten all this, you know, like, I've brought in $23 trillion. You know, like, Trump, like, just makes up Fake, like a fake world. Putin does the same thing. Putin is still saying as of the last 24 to 48 hours that Russia controls Kupiansk, that they control the whole Kupiansk area. Zelensky was just there. We know that Ukraine drone army defeated Russia's offensive. Like Putin is just making up that he's having success on the front when Ukraine has pushed back here. Like that's the reality of it. But still you have Donald Trump out there saying 82% of Ukrainians demand a peace deal that Russia wants. Just it's 82% in the opposite way. 82% do not want to give in to Russia. But here's what Donald Trump says. Let's play this clip.

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[Donald Trump]

I think he has to be realistic. And I do wonder about, you know, how long is it going to be till they have an election. It's a democracy. It's a long time. They haven't had an election in a long time. It's losing a lot of people. And it's possible that the people, if you look at the polls, I will say 82%. There was a poll that came out, 82% of the people are demanding a settlement be made, Ukrainian people.

[Political Commentator]

So that's the state of play right now. We'll keep you posted every step of the way here. But you have Zelenskyy in Europe and I've showed you before Friedrich Mehrz, chancellor of Germany. I've showed you Prime Minister Keir Starmer who's like we're going to take back Russian owned oligarchical owned football teams or soccer teams. We're taking that. Europe is getting, Europe knows what's happening here like Ukraine gets what's happening, not getting played by Trump. And Europe and Ukraine have a plan and Trump looks weaker than ever. And you know, that's, that's where, that's where we are after this year. Trump said he would end the war in Ukraine in 24 hours. This is the new world order right now. Let me know what you think. Hit subscribe. Let's get to 6 million subscribers.

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