Zelenskyy Builds European Support While Trump Loses Ground

Summary

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Podcast Summary: The MeidasTouch Podcast

Episode Title: Zelenskyy Builds European Support While Trump Loses Ground
Date: June 15, 2026
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas

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Episode Overview

This episode focuses on the contrasting fortunes of global leaders Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump. The Meiselas brothers analyze how Zelenskyy's leadership is accelerating Ukraine's ascension in European geopolitics, especially with fresh energy around European Union accession talks, while Trump, in their words, is "losing ground" by aligning with figures like Putin and diminishing America’s influence. The conversation incorporates critical updates on Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine, European realignment, Canada’s emerging diplomatic role, and the shifting multipolar world order.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Ukraine’s Military and Political Momentum

• Zelenskyy’s Show of Force:
  The hosts highlight Ukraine’s increased success in deploying drone strikes deep inside Russian territory, specifically targeting infrastructure such as oil depots and chemical plants.

  • Quote [03:00]:
    “Look at our drones blowing up all of the Russian infrastructure. Say bye bye to the petroleum plants there, the oil depots…Ukraine is targeting it.”
    — Podcast Host
  • Recent strikes in Yar and Crimea establish not just military success but also fuel shortages and insecurity in occupied regions.

• Impact on Russia:
  Ukrainian drone campaigns are causing significant disruption, with ordinary Russians experiencing fallout (e.g., crude oil raining on farms and vehicles), and even animals affected by environmental consequences.

  • Quote [07:15]:
    “In crude oil is now raining on residents, their cars, their farms, into their lakes and rivers and yes, even onto their pets.”
    — Podcast Host

• Recognition of Ukrainian Drone Forces:
  Zelenskyy recently declared June 11th “Day of the Unmanned System Forces,” celebrating Ukraine's innovative warfare capabilities.

  • Quote [09:10]:
    “Zelensky announces a very special holiday in Ukraine today…each year, June 11th will be a day of our gratitude to the warriors of the Unmanned System Forces.”
    — Podcast Host
    • Hosts praise this recognition, emphasizing its role in Ukraine's defense and European security.

2. Ukraine’s Accelerated Path Toward the European Union

• Historic EU Negotiations:
  The EU has agreed to open the first accession negotiation cluster with Ukraine and Moldova, focusing on the “fundamentals.”

  • Quote [05:50]:
    “All member steps agreed to open the first ascension negotiation cluster with Ukraine, Moldova… the core values and principles on which the EU is built.”
    — Podcast Host
  • Timeline: Ukraine’s full membership could occur around 2030.

• Zelenskyy’s Vision for Europe:
  Zelenskyy’s remarks, read aloud on the podcast, stress Ukraine’s sacrifices for Europe and highlight that the defense of Ukraine is a defense of European democracy and freedom.

  • Quote [06:30]:
    “We are fighting for our freedom in theirs, for Europe, for ourselves and for them, for the Baltic states and for Poland, for Hungary and Slovakia, for Romania and Moldova and for the people of the Caucasus…That is why the fate of Europe is being decided here.”
    — President Zelenskyy (read by host)

3. Contrasting Leadership: Trump vs. Zelenskyy

• Critique of Trump’s “America First” Approach:
  The hosts criticize Trump for isolating America on the global stage and for his alleged communication with Vladimir Putin.
  • Quote [04:05]:
    “Your America first doctrine means America alone.”
    — Podcast Host
  • The hosts reference Trump’s willingness to allow allies like Jared Kushner to “continue their loser tour” in Russia, contrasting it with real diplomatic advances under Zelenskyy.

4. Canada’s New Diplomatic Role and a Multipolar World

• Prime Minister Carney’s Speech [11:49]:
  The hosts highlight Canada’s emerging “catalytic” role in bridging transatlantic alliances, especially amid the erosion of the US’s global influence.*

  • Quote [12:10]:
    “Rules based order from which we’ve long benefited is eroding. The values we cherish are under threat and as reliable partners become fewer, those that remain matter evermore…We look first to our closest allies. That's Europe, that's Ireland.”
    —Prime Minister Carney (audio clip)

• Formation of New Alliances:
  Discussion about how the EU—with Ukraine and Canadian partnership—is becoming a central block in a multipolar world, noting the potential for new alliances outside America’s leadership.

5. Hosts’ Analysis of Global Reordering

• The brothers discuss how Europe is gaining strategic clout while U.S. influence shrinks under “America alone” policies.
• Quote [13:10]:
  “The mid powers are forming and have formed their own superpower essentially as we have this multipolar world.”
  — Podcast Host
• They warn against relying solely on old alliances and urge for deeper and more diverse partnerships, drawing parallels with Canada’s efforts.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Drone Warfare Success:
  “Ukraine’s overnight strikes in the region’s strategic oil reserves are wreaking havoc.” [08:35], Podcast Host
• Ukraine’s Sacrifice:
  “Among all the European nations…Ukraine is the one making the greatest sacrifice for Europe.” [06:12], President Zelenskyy (read by host)
• On America’s Waning Influence:
  “America first means America alone.” [10:40], Podcast Host
• Canada’s Rallying Call:
  “…this moment of rupture can only be answered by positive, purposeful action… we look first to our closest allies. That’s Europe, that’s Ireland.” [12:25], Prime Minister Carney
• Warning Against Complacency:
  “We will have done something wrong if we just accept this…Don’t take the lesson, don’t build out and diversify…” [14:04], News Reporter/Clip

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• [02:56–04:40]: Introduction to Ukraine’s drone warfare and updates on the Russia-Ukraine conflict
• [04:41–07:20]: Reporting on Crimea, fuel shortages, and military actions inside Russia
• [07:21–09:45]: Ukraine's new holiday and the vital role of drone operations
• [05:50–06:50]: EU’s announcement on accession talks, Zelenskyy’s statement
• [10:40–11:50]: Discussion of “America first means America alone” and Canada’s new diplomatic posture
• [11:49–13:04]: Clips of Prime Minister Carney’s speeches about new alliances and rebuilding order
• [13:05–14:53]: Discussion on the multipolar world and diversification of partnerships

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Summary Takeaways

• Zelenskyy’s bold direction is positioning Ukraine as a future linchpin of European security and integration.
• Sustained Ukrainian military successes are reshaping the war’s dynamic, undermining Russia’s infrastructure and confidence.
• Trump’s foreign policy is sharply criticized by the hosts, especially in the context of expanding global alliances outside the traditional US role.
• Canada and Europe are stepping up as constructive actors in a changing world order, signaling that reliance on US leadership is no longer presumed.
• The episode’s urgent tone encourages listeners to rethink geopolitical alliances and recognize the importance of unity and modernization in defending democratic values.

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Transcript

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Yes, the same Monday.com Ukraine President Zelensky just checkmated Donald Trump. At the same time Trump is capitulating to Iran. Zelinsky said, it seems that the only language you know is strength and people putting the screws in you and twisting it. So look what's happening, Donald, in the Yar region in Russia. Yeah, our long range Ukrainian sanctions are paying the Russians a visit right there. Look at our drone drones blowing up all of the Russian infrastructure. Say bye bye to the petroleum plants there, the oil depots, the other infrastructure there. Ukraine is targeting it. Oh, and by the way, Donald, you may want to check what's happening in Crimea right now. Massive fuel shortages there and throughout Russia. And you see those lines in Crimea right now of all of the cars lined up trying to exit. Yeah. The people who are there no longer feel safe under Russian protection. Isn't that what Russia promised there, Donald? Hat tip to my friend Jay in Kyiv has got a good YouTube channel as well for getting a lot of this footage. So, Donald, yes, we're aware that you apparently had a phone conversation with Putin yesterday morning because Putin was bragging about it. But we're going to show you force and we're going to show you strength. And if you think you are manipulating Ukraine, well, we've got other surprises for you. So we're aware, Donald, that you claim and Putin claims to have had a conversation with you. Putin and Trump allegedly agree that Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, I guess they're continuing their loser tour, will travel to Russia again in the near future. Putin said that Trump expressed a willingness to exert influence on Kiev and Washington's European partners. You think you're going to exert influence, Donald? Really? Because let's show you what a real deal is. Want to see what real influence is? Ukraine is going to get ready to join the European Union. As the European Union expands, strengthens itself and also starts to develop more, develop street strategic relationships with Canada. Guess what European Union just announced yesterday. Today the European Union took a major step forward. All member steps agreed to open the first ascension negotiation cluster with Ukraine, Moldova. At the first intergovernmental conference on Monday, we will open the cluster on fundamentals, the backbone of ascension. It covers the core values and principles on which the EU is built. And so Ukraine, maybe around 20, 30 or so, will likely join the European Union. That process is now formally beginning. A real deal taking place, Donald, your America first doctrine means America alone. And as Prime Minister Carney Canada said, the future of the world's strength right now is growing out of Europe and Europe finding its identity. President Zelensky of Ukraine writes, among all the European nations that have already joined the European Union or see such prospects for themselves, Ukraine is the one making the greatest sacrifice for Europe. We are not simply carrying out internal reforms, nor are we simply carrying going through a transformation. We are fighting for our state, for our independence and for our right to choose our own path end to be Europe and this right of ours is at the same time the right of every nation in our region. We are fighting for our freedom in theirs, for Europe, for ourselves and for them, for the Baltic states and for Poland, for Hungary and Slovakia, for Romania and Moldova and for the people of the Caucasus. That is why the fate of Europe is being decided here. It is being decided in Ukraine in this war and in how this war ends and whether Russia will still have the strength and the desire after this war to threaten the existence of Ukraine and its neighbors and the entirety of Europe. That is why we must end this war with dignity and with guaranteed security. And this is what we will discuss with our partners during the G7 summit in France and later at the European Council summit and the NATO summit in Ankara. So Donald, while you're out there weakening the United States, Ukraine is forming the backbone of a strengthened European Union. As Jay in Kyiv Post Take a look at some of these additional photos and video. Strike after strike by Ukraine Ukraine Long distance drones hitting Russia's strategic energy reserve facility in Yarzevol with no air defenses of consequence as all of Russian air defenses are now in Moscow protecting Putin's palaces. Ukraine destroys Russia's entire energy industry. More epic scenes as Jay and Kiev again Jay's got a great YouTube site from Russia Yar Salov region where in crude oil is now raining on residents, their cars, their farms, into their lakes and rivers and yes, even onto their pets. Ukraine's overnight strikes in the region's strategic oil reserves are wreaking havoc. How about Russia's Nova Muskowsk Azot chemical plant in the Tula region? Located roughly 350 kilometers from Ukraine, the Nomakovsk Azot is one of Russia's largest producers of ammonia and nitrogen fertilizers. The facility manufactures a wide range of industrial products including mineral fertilizers, methanol, nitric acid, chlorine, caustic soda, plastics, resins and industrial gases. Part of the Eurochem holding, it is among the most important chemical production complexes in Russia by both output and product diversity. Locals are now donning gas masks as the facility sends noxious fumes wafting across the savage Russian hellscape as it's described. You can see right here on this chart that J and Kyiv Post that's also been compiled by Ragnar Bzhar the stunning success of Ukraine's recent drone capabilities within context of the entire war as seen through Russia's daily equipment losses. All records have occurred occurred within the past two months and Zelensky announces a very special holiday in Ukraine today for the first time, we mark the day of the Unmanned System Forces. And from now on, each year, June 11th will be a day of our gratitude to the warriors of the Unmanned System Forces. Modern warfare can no longer be imagined without drones, zelensky writes, and Ukrainian unmanned systems are operating successfully at different levels, from carrying out missions on the front line to striking important enemy facilities hundreds of kilometers deep inside its territory. All of this is being documented and it is thanks to the precision and skill of our operators that Russia's losses have long exceeded 30,000 killed and wounded each month. 30,000 killed and wounded each month. Zelensky then posts the following I thank all our people who are fighting for Ukraine, working for our state and helping defend our national interests. And I thank all our partners, partners in the EU and every leader personally for their strong step for the sake of Europe. Ukraine is defending itself and in doing so, all of Europe. The idea of the idea that European nations can live united, free and in peace. We also thank Europe for all of its other support, support that shows true leadership and helps us protect lives. And obviously, at least in my opinion, that is also a reference to Donald Trump showing true leadership. Right now, Prime Minister Carney is in Europe as well, bridging Trans Pacific alliances, transatlantic alliances, Canada becoming a catalystic glue if you will, bringing together shared values and principles of the new emerging world order with Europe as a major leader and Canada helping catalyze that as well as again, America first means America alone. Here's the speech that Prime Minister Carney just gave as he Prepares for that G7 meeting this week about the rules based order eroding. Here's what he just said.

[News Reporter]

Let's play it Canada and Ireland face a rapidly changing world, one which unfortunately is more dangerous and divided. A world that must feel as uncertain as the future must have. To my grandparents when they immigrated, rules based order from which we've long benefit is eroding. The values we cherish are under threat and as reliable partners become fewer, those that remain matter evermore and Canada believes that this moment of rupture can only be answered by positive, purposeful action by building what comes next. So we look first to our closest allies. That's Europe, that's Ireland. Ours is a relationship founded on those who built anew by women and men who cross the Atlantic in search of a better future for their children, a future they could not yet see. And it's that legacy, their legacy, that we must call on today so that the values that we've inherited become the foundation of a better world for those to follow.

[Podcast Host]

And here's how he describes strengthening Europe right now and why that's important. And a stronger Europe with a Ukraine in Europe with Canada, not necessarily having to formally join the eu, but forming these strategic military and economic alliances with the eu. Their form the mid powers are forming and have formed their own superpower essentially as we have this now multipolar world, kind of this US Predator country in the Western hemisphere. You've got Russia with allied with Iran, you have China and you have kind of European Union and then kind of different other alliances kind of forming in terms of, you know, the Trump regime, you know, ignoring Africa at its own peril, bullying the Western hemisphere at its own peril. And then you have kind of a multilateral order forming here. I'll show you this clip right here

[News Reporter]

as well, which is that the situation we're in collectively right now with mythos and fable and is is something that can happen with over reliance on certain models or certain protections that doesn't ascribe any. Nobody's done anything wrong in this situation. But we will have done something wrong if we just accept this. Don't take the lesson, don't build out and diversify and you can make an analog to Canada's overall economic situation. We will be doing something wrong if we just sit here and say to go back to I think the very first question, well, why would you come and deepen your trade relationship with Europe? Well, because we don't want to have just one big trade relationship that's better for Canadians.

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