PDB Afternoon Bulletin | November 13th, 2025: European Leaders Turn on Zelensky & Rubio Fires Back at EU Over Narco-Strikes

Summary

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The President's Daily Brief — Afternoon Bulletin

Episode Title: European Leaders Turn on Zelensky & Rubio Fires Back at EU Over Narco-Strikes
Host: Mike Baker (Former CIA Operations Officer)
Date: November 13, 2025
Podcast: The President's Daily Brief (The First TV)

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Overview

In this episode, host Mike Baker delivers a concise, high-stakes briefing on two major topics impacting international relations and the U.S.:

1. The deepening corruption scandal in Ukraine, threatening President Zelensky's leadership and Ukraine's standing with Western allies.
2. The diplomatic fallout from U.S. military strikes on Caribbean narco traffickers, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio pushing back against European and allied criticism.

Baker breaks down the implications of both stories, highlighting how each reflects shifting dynamics in U.S. foreign policy and global security, and what they mean for American interests.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Ukraine's Corruption Scandal: A Crisis for Zelensky ([00:36]–[06:33])

• $100M Kickback Scheme Uncovered

  • Ukrainian Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) raids uncover a network of inflated contracts and phantom construction within Ukraine’s state nuclear company.
  • Scheme allegedly involved diverting funds from crucial power grid projects intended to protect against Russian strikes.

• Resignations Rock Ukrainian Cabinet

  • Justice Minister Khomein Galashenko (former Energy Minister) and current Energy Minister Svetlana Franchok both resign following home searches.
  • Two top officials responsible for maintaining Ukraine’s wartime energy infrastructure are out due to corruption—not Russian attacks.

• Alleged Links to Zelensky's Circle

  • Timor Mindich, media mogul and former business partner of Zelensky, reportedly fled hours before raids. He’s now tied more directly to fraudulent contracts.
  • U.S. FBI is reviewing Mindich’s overseas finances, escalating the scandal beyond Ukraine’s borders.

• Political and International Fallout

  • Viktor Orban, Hungary’s Putin-friendly PM, uses the scandal to criticize Ukraine and Zelensky, calling it the collapse of a "golden illusion" ([03:36]).
    • Quote:
      "A wartime mafia network with countless ties to Zelensky has been exposed."
      — Viktor Orban, via X ([03:55])
  • Orban urges the EU to reconsider Ukraine’s membership and aid, echoing Moscow’s line.
  • Baker’s analysis: Russian covert action and propaganda are almost certainly fanning the scandal to sow discord.

• Western Skepticism and Pressure

  • European leaders more openly reconsidering support; U.S. officials have been formally briefed.
  • Scandal jeopardizes ongoing aid talks and Ukraine’s EU accession hopes.

• Zelensky's Response

  • In a video address, Zelensky pledges, “no one will be protected” ([05:20]), and promises transparency.
  • Ukrainian lawmakers describe the crisis as possibly the biggest internal challenge of Zelensky's presidency.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• “If you don’t think the Kremlin is actively working to take advantage of this situation… then you don’t understand the nature of Russian intel operations.” — Mike Baker ([04:28])
• “Some lawmakers say the controversy risks becoming the biggest internal crisis of Zelensky's presidency, larger even than past disputes over his control of anti corruption agencies.” — Mike Baker ([05:40])

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2. U.S. Narco-Strikes in the Caribbean: Rubio Versus Europe ([09:26]–[14:23])

• Backdrop: G7 Foreign Ministers Meeting in Canada

  • While the summit’s agenda was Ukraine, European anxiety over U.S. strikes on Caribbean narco traffickers dominated the sidelines.

• Transatlantic Friction

  • European ministers complain publicly (but not to Rubio directly) that the expanded U.S. campaign might violate international law.
    • French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot: the U.S. is “violating international law” ([10:21]), especially near French Caribbean territories.
    • EU Foreign Policy Chief Gaia Callis: operations only justifiable in self-defense or with a UN resolution.

• Rubio’s Defiant Response

  • Rubio downplays the criticism, noting the lack of direct confrontation at G7:
    • “If Europe is genuinely alarmed, you wouldn’t know it from the G7 session.” ([10:39])
  • Argues that U.S. actions disrupt narco trade impacting both North America and Europe:
    • “The president is going to defend the national interests and national security of the U.S. which is under threat by these terrorist organizations.” — Marco Rubio ([11:29])
  • Rebukes EU authority:
    • “I don’t think the European Union gets to decide what international law is.” — Marco Rubio ([12:03])
  • Baker notes this encapsulates the Trump administration’s more unilateral foreign policy stance.

• Allied Relations: Canada and UK

  • Canada distances itself but maintains cooperation on broader counternarcotics.
  • Britain reportedly suspends intelligence sharing (denied by Rubio as “a false story”).

• Ukraine Update

  • Rubio reiterates that Russia insists on controlling more territory, which Ukraine rejects.
  • Trump administration sees Moscow as unserious about peace—no major Trump-Putin summit planned.
  • G7 final communique: New sanctions on Russia’s energy sector.

Notable Quotes

• “If you’re taking a beating from European legal experts and the UN, you know you’re doing something right.” — Mike Baker ([11:14])
• “America doesn’t need a permission slip from the international community to defend itself.” — Summary of Rubio’s closing statement ([13:58])

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• Corruption Scandal in Ukraine: [00:36]–[06:33]
• Orban’s Reaction & Russian Angle: [03:35]–[05:00]
• Zelensky’s Response & Internal Fallout: [05:20]–[06:23]
• G7 Meeting and Caribbean Narco-Strikes: [09:26]–[13:58]
• Rubio Fires Back at European Criticism: [10:39]–[12:03]
• Sanctions on Russia / Ukraine Standoff: [13:19]–[13:45]

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Tone & Language

• Direct, candid, and lightly ironic (characteristic of Mike Baker), with a focus on pressing national security stakes, the realpolitik of foreign policy, and skepticism about both European maneuvering and Russian intentions.
• Quotes from leaders and officials are provided verbatim, maintaining the confrontational and sometimes sardonic tone of the episode.

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Conclusion

This episode highlights deepening fractures among Western allies over Ukraine’s governance and U.S. military assertiveness. With Zelensky’s administration threatened by internal scandal, and European leaders pushing back on American security practices, Baker underscores that America is recalibrating its foreign policy posture—insisting on defending its interests on its own terms, and warning listeners that the international order is changing in real time.

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Transcript

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13 November welcome to the PDB Afternoon Bulletin. I'm Mike Baker, your eyes and ears on the world stage. All right, let's get briefed. First up, the latest on the scandal that's rocking Kiev. Ukraine's wartime government is under strain as top ministers resign and critics abroad say the crisis is spiraling towards Zelensky himself. We'll have those details later in the show. U.S. secretary of State Marco Rubio is firing back at European allies over concerns about America's military campaign against narco traffickers in the Caribbean. But first, today's afternoon spotlight. We're getting more information about that corruption scandal currently rocking kyiv. It's a $100 million kickback scheme inside Ukraine's energy sector. As we reported yesterday, investigators from Ukraine's Anti Corruption Bureau raided homes and offices across the capital, uncovering what they say is a massive network of inflated contracts and phantom construction projects inside the state nuclear company. That investigation has already reached dangerously close to President Zelensky through his former business partner and media mogul Timor Mindich. Now, that's the man that Ukrainian agents say fled the country just hours before they arrived. But overnight, the scandal exploded even further. Ukraine's Justice Minister, Khomein Galashenko, who previously served as energy minister during the years that those contracts were issued, has now submitted his resignation after agents searched his home. And he wasn't the only one. The current energy minister, Svetlana Franchok, has also stepped aside as prosecutors widen their probe. That means two of the most senior officials responsible for keeping Ukraine's power grid alive during wartime are now out, not because of Russian attacks, but because of corruption allegations tied to the very systems Ukraine is begging the west to help reinforce. Naboo. The Anti Corruption Bureau has now formally charged seven suspects and detained at least five others, including senior energy sector figures accused of siphoning money away from grid protection projects that were supposed to shield the country from Russian missile strikes. This comes at a time when rolling blackouts are intensifying across Ukraine, making the alleged graft feel for many Ukrainians like sabotage from within. Some local officials warn that if the stolen funds had gone where they were intended, several of the grid failures that Ukraine has suffered this month would might have been avoided. As for Mindich, the oligarch connected to Zelensky's old production company, prosecutors say new financial evidence has emerged that ties him more directly to the inflated contracts. Ukrainian officials confirm the FBI is reviewing his overseas financial activity, raising the stakes beyond Kyiv's borders. For Zelensky, the optics are potentially devastating. Two cabinet level officials gone, a fugitive ex associate under investigation, and a corruption case involving infrastructure that Western governments have poured billions into. European leaders are already signaling concern, of course, hinting that this could affect Ukraine's standing in ongoing aid talks and even EU membership discussions. And in Washington, US Officials confirmed that they've been briefed on the investigation, a sign that Kyiv is under pressure not just from Europe, but but from its most important military backer. And now the international fallout is starting with Hungary's Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, notably, of course, a Putin apologist and ally using the scandal to take direct aim at Zelensky. Orban said the unfolding corruption case proves what he calls the, quote, golden illusion of Ukraine has collapsed. In a message posted to X, the Hungarian prime minister wrote, quote, a wartime mafia network with countless ties to Zelensky has been exposed. He also argued the scandals should force Brussels to rethink Ukraine's accession bid altogether. Why, it almost sounds like Moscow is busy fanning the flames of this fire. Now, don't get me wrong. Now, I'm not doubting that there's corruption within the Ukrainian ranks. But if you don't think the Kremlin is actively working to take advantage of this situation through a covert action, campaign of disinformation and propaganda, well, then you don't understand the nature of Russian intel operations. Putin sees this scandal, no doubt, as a massive opportunity. Now, Orban's comments landed sharply in Kyiv. His criticism taps into American skepticism about Zelensky's government, skepticism that could directly affect U.S. support as Ukraine heads into another winter under Russian attack. While sympathy for Ukraine remains high, especially in Europe, it's easy to forget that the country has struggled with systemic corruption for a long time. Even before Russia's invasion, Ukraine consistently ranked near the bottom of global transparency indexes. And it's a legacy that Zelenskyy had promised to break from, but one that continues to haunt his presidency. For his part, Ukraine's president addressed the scandal again late last night. During his regular video message, Zelenskyy insisted that, quote, no one will be protected and pledged full transparency. But inside Kyiv, the Political mood has shifted. Some lawmakers say the controversy risks becoming the biggest internal crisis of Zelensky's presidency, larger even than past disputes over his control of anti corruption agencies. Before we take a quick break, just a reminder, if you haven't already, make sure you subscribe to the President's Daily Brief wherever you get your podcasts. It's the easiest way to stay ahead of the world's biggest national security stories every single morning and afternoon. So while you're thinking about it, hit that subscribe button now. The entire PDB team is very grateful for your support. All right, coming up next, Secretary of State Marco Rubio is at the G7 meeting in Canada this week. That sounds like fun. Fending off accusations that America's strikes on narco terrorists in the Caribbean are unlawful. I'll be right back. Hey, Mike Baker here.

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Get 20% off your Delete Me plan when you go to JoinDeleteMe.combrief and use the promo code brief at checkout. Again. The only way to get that 20 off is is to go to JoinDeleteMe.com brief and enter code brief at checkout. That's JoinDeleteMe.com brief code brief welcome back to the afternoon bulletin. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is brushing off European criticism of US Military strikes on narco traffickers in the Caribbean, reminding allies that it's Washington, not Brussels, that sets the terms of America's national security. Rubio carried that message with him as he wrapped up The Group of Seven, or G7, foreign ministers meeting in Canada Wednesday, a gathering nominally focused on Ukraine. But that was quickly overshadowed by Europe's unease over the Trump administration's expanding military campaign in the Caribbean. Some ministers arrived ready to lecture Washington about international law regarding the operations, but none of them, Rubio says, brought it up when they were actually across the table from him. Instead, the pushback surfaced after the meeting aimed at cameras. Well, that's the best place to do this, isn't it? Rather than the secretary of State himself. And Rubio didn't hesitate to point out the split between public outrage and private silence. If Europe is genuinely alarmed, he argued, you wouldn't know it from the G7 session that he just left. French Foreign Minister Jean Noel Barrot was one of the first to take issue, claiming the US Operations, quote, unquote, violate international law and warning about the implications of military operations near France's Caribbean territories. EU foreign policy chief Gaia Callis echoed that concern, telling Reuters the strikes could be justified only under immediate self defense or with a UN Security Council resolution. European legal experts have piled on in recent weeks calling the killings extrajudicial. Well, if you're taking a beating from European legal experts and the un, you know you're doing something right. Speaking to reporters before departing Canada, Rubio brushed all that aside. Instead, he defended targeting what he called, quote, narco terrorists, stressing that the drugs shipped through Venezuela don't stop at American shores, they end up in Europe as well. Which in his view means the US should be thanked, not second guessed, for targeting and terminating traffickers. Rubio said, quote, the bottom line here that the president is going to defend the national interests and national security of the US which is under threat by these terrorist organizations. When asked directly About Collis's comments, Rubio didn't budge. He told reporters, quote, I don't think the European Union gets to decide what international law is. And that's a statement that neatly captures the Trump administration's posture against global mindsets. Canada and the United Kingdom, as we previously discussed, have voiced criticism. Canada's foreign minister at the meeting said that while Ottawa continues to work with Washington on broader counternarcotics missions, it has, quote, no involvement in ongoing U.S. strike operations. And when asked about a CNN report earlier this week claiming Britain suspended intelligence sharing over concerns about the US Strikes, Rubio dismissed it as, quote, a false story, insisting nothing has changed in the US UK Intelligence partnership. Rubio eventually pivoted to Ukraine, with reporters warning that Russia continues to demand control of the rest of Donetsk, a condition, he said, obviously the Ukrainians aren't going to agree to. Despite President Trump's push for an immediate ceasefire with Ukrainian and Russian forces, which would freeze current battlefield positions, Washington concluded Moscow isn't serious about negotiations. And the prospects of a new summit between Trump and President Putin remains shelved for now. The G7's final statement reflected that tension. The ministers collectively advanced new sanctions on Russia's energy sector, while Canada rolled out additional penalties targeting Moscow's drone program, liquefied natural gas entities and shadow fleet vessels. So as Washington doubles down on its Caribbean strike campaign, allies continue to express discomfort. But the Secretary of State Rubio's message on his way out of Canada was unmistakable. America doesn't need a permission slip, he said from the international community, to defend itself. And that, my friends, is the PDB Afternoon bulletin for Thursday 13th November. Now, if you have any questions or comments, please reach out to me at pdb@the first tv.com and to listen to the show ad free, become a premium member of the President's Daily brief by visiting PDP premium.com It's that simple. I'm Mike Baker and I'll be back tomorrow. Until then, stay informed, stay safe, stay cool. Hey, Mike Baker here. Well, you may have noticed it's now November. And of course, that means Thanksgiving is right around the corner. And now, one of the great things about Thanksgiving is it's one of the few times of the year when we can all slow down just a little bit, right? Gather as families and remind ourselves of what we're thankful for. And please, no talk about politics or taxes or religion around the table, Right? It's all about gratitude. Not just for the past, but for the future. The excellent team over at Tritails Premium beef. They understand that perfectly. You got to check these folks out. 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