Key Moments
President Zelenskyy: It's Time To Tell You The Truth About This War! I Found 500 Bodies!
The Diary Of A CEOKey Moments
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy reveals the immense personal cost of leading his nation through war, including sleepless nights and the trauma of witnessing atrocities, while also detailing his surprising journey from comedian to wartime leader.
Key Insights
President Zelenskyy has not slept properly for nearly five years, describing it as a "huge, terrifying pain" he wouldn't wish on anyone.
Ukraine's army grew from 200,000 to 800,000 soldiers, with many joining as volunteers after the full-scale invasion began.
The discovery of 500 tortured people in a mass grave in Bucha profoundly impacted Zelenskyy, making forgiveness and compromise incredibly difficult.
Zelenskyy's acting career included a satirical TV series called 'Servant of the People,' where he played a teacher who accidentally becomes president, a role that eerily foreshadowed his own political ascent.
The war, in Zelenskyy's view, truly began in 2014 with the occupation of Crimea, which he believes could have been prevented if Ukraine had pushed back more forcefully.
Zelenskyy asserts that Putin's primary goal is to re-establish the Soviet Union, with Ukraine being the key to this ambition due to its historical and intellectual significance.
The relentless psychological toll of wartime leadership
President Zelenskyy candidly shares the immense personal sacrifice involved in leading Ukraine through its existential conflict. He admits to not sleeping for nearly five years, describing it as a "huge, terrifying pain." The constant communication with air defense operators and the active management of the war effort prevent any real rest. He experiences profound emotional weight, particularly when awarding heroes and meeting parents who have lost children, describing moments where he "ceases to exist" in empathy. This emotional burden is compounded by the responsibility of setting an example for his children and the nation, forcing him to appear strong even when shattered internally. He likens his situation to "surviving along with my country," emphasizing that his personal feelings are secondary to the nation's survival, yet acknowledging the deep personal cost.
From actor to wartime president: A surreal journey
Zelenskyy's path to the presidency is as remarkable as his current role. He recounts a childhood where he couldn't settle on a single career aspiration, contemplating being a diplomat or border guard before pursuing law and then pivoting to media and comedy. He was a scriptwriter and actor in comedy troupes until the age of 26, later founding his own media company. His acting career included winning 'Dancing with the Stars' and voicing Paddington Bear. Most notably, he starred in the satirical TV series 'Servant of the People,' playing a history teacher who unexpectedly becomes president. This role, he explains, resonated deeply with him and the societal mood in Ukraine, a mood that eventually led him to register a real political party under the same name and run for president. He acknowledges the bizarre parallel between his on-screen persona and his real-life presidency, admitting he never expected it to happen.
The genesis of the war: Crimea, a lost opportunity
Zelenskyy firmly believes the war began not in 2022, but in 2014 with Russia's annexation of Crimea. He describes it as a 'creeping occupation' that Ukraine failed to resist effectively. The lack of clear orders to defend the land, combined with Russia's initial denial of its involvement (referring to soldiers as 'little green men'), allowed the occupation to proceed with minimal direct confrontation. Zelenskyy posits that if Ukraine had pushed back then, the full-scale invasion of 2022 might have been averted. He contrasts this with the current situation, where Ukrainian forces actively fight back, highlighting the critical difference in response that he believes was missing in 2014. This perspective underscores a deep regret over a missed opportunity to prevent further escalation.
The horrors of Bucha and the impossibility of easy forgiveness
The discovery of atrocities in Bucha, where Zelenskyy found "dead bodies lying everywhere, kids, adults, elderly people, chopped meat, butchered them, hands tied, tortured, and then buried in pits," profoundly shaped his perspective on the war. Witnessing such barbarity, including scenes of people being hunted and tortured, has made the idea of compromise and forgiveness, as sometimes suggested by figures like former President Trump, extremely difficult, if not impossible. He recounts how even survivors of World War II were appalled by the level of brutality. The sheer scale of human suffering and the deliberate targeting of civilians, including children, have instilled a deep hatred and a strong demand for justice, making a simple ceasefire a "huge compromise" in itself.
Historical context: Empires, freedom, and Putin's ambitions
To explain the roots of the conflict, Zelenskyy draws a parallel between empires and the desire for freedom. He describes the Soviet Union as an empire held together by autocracy, where an 'iron curtain' restricted information and freedom. He argues that empires inevitably collapse because people aspire to be free and compare their lives to those in other countries. Russia, under Putin, is depicted as suffering from nostalgia for the Soviet Union, with Putin viewing its collapse as the 'greatest collapse of the 20th century.' Zelenskyy believes Putin's ambition is to resurrect this empire, with Ukraine, the 'forge of talent' and an intellectual powerhouse, being crucial to this goal. If Ukraine aligns with Europe, it signals the potential collapse of Russia itself, thus motivating Putin's aggression.
Strategic miscalculations and the defense of Kyiv
Zelenskyy highlights Russia's significant miscalculations regarding Ukraine's resilience. He notes that Russian assault units carried rations for only 3-10 days and even prepared victory parade uniforms, expecting a swift capture of Kyiv. The initial Russian strategy involved seizing airports like Hostomel to land troops and capture key infrastructure, aiming to decapitate the leadership and force surrender. The fierce defense of Hostomel, where Ukrainian forces fought valiantly, burning Russian equipment and destroying the runway, was a pivotal moment. This battle prevented the large-scale landing force from establishing a foothold, significantly hindering the advance on Kyiv. Zelenskyy emphasizes that taking Kyiv would have required an army of 300,000-400,000 troops, twice what Russia deployed, especially given the fierce Ukrainian resistance.
Personal sacrifices and the re-evaluation of values
The war has irrevocably changed Zelenskyy, forcing a profound re-evaluation of his values. He misses his family deeply, experiencing a loneliness even when they are near, a consequence of his all-consuming focus on his duties. He acknowledges that his wife, Alina, has been his stability and that they find each other interesting and maintain mutual respect, though he admits to being changed significantly. His mother calls him daily, a constant reminder of his personal life amidst the chaos. The war has also accelerated the growth of Ukraine's children, who have had to mature rapidly in a conflict zone. Zelenskyy's primary dream is to end the war and achieve justice, emphasizing that holding perpetrators accountable is essential for healing and preventing future cycles of revenge.
The ongoing struggle and the quest for a just peace
Zelenskyy outlines the current situation, where Russia occupies approximately 18-19% of Ukraine's territory, primarily in the east and south, including Crimea. Life for Ukrainians involves constant shelling, with cities like Oleshky trapped and under siege, while others, like Kherson, are being contested. Russia's objective appears to be consolidating control over eastern Ukraine's industrial and economic hubs. He refutes claims that Ukraine's strikes on Russian energy infrastructure are the cause of global price increases, arguing that Russia initiates attacks on Ukrainian energy and that Ukraine retaliates. Zelenskyy stresses that any lasting peace must be just, involving accountability for war crimes. He expresses gratitude for international support, particularly from the United States, and wishes America continued strength and tranquility, hoping for a world where people can live in peace.
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Common Questions
President Zelenskyy did not anticipate a full-scale invasion but was with his family when it started. He informed his wife and children, expressed his love, and immediately went to his office bunker to begin working, refusing to evacuate when offered by President Biden.
Topics
Mentioned in this video
President of Ukraine, discussing the emotional and strategic toll of the war, his personal journey, and Ukraine's fight for independence.
US President, who offered to evacuate Zelenskyy at the start of the invasion, but Zelenskyy requested ammunition instead.
Former US President, mentioned by Zelenskyy in the context of seeking compromise for the war and his claims about preventing the invasion.
President of Russia, described as having an ambition to restore the Soviet empire and being responsible for the invasion of Ukraine.
The former empire Ukraine was part of, whose collapse Vladimir Putin considers the greatest catastrophe of the 20th century.
The real political party Zelenskyy registered in Ukraine, inspired by his TV series, to address government instability.
The former Soviet Union's main security agency, where Vladimir Putin worked as an intelligence officer.
Discussed in the context of security guarantees for Ukraine, which Russia opposes.
Zelenskyy voiced the character in the Ukrainian language film, even being approached for the next installment after becoming president.
Zelenskyy won the Ukrainian version of the show at 28 years old.
A satirical TV series where Zelenskyy starred as a school teacher who accidentally becomes president, later inspiring his real political party.
Region in eastern Ukraine, including Donetsk and Luhansk, occupied by Russia, also seen as an early stage of the war.
A city in Ukraine that was taken by Russian forces, part of their efforts to create an inland sea and block Ukrainian access to the Black Sea.
A city in Ukraine where mass graves were found and horrific atrocities committed by Russian forces, deeply impacting Zelenskyy.
Mentioned by Zelenskyy as a source of global instability and a factor in energy market issues, deflecting from Russia's role.
Region annexed by Russia in 2014, which Zelenskyy identifies as the true start of the war.
Accused by Putin of being to blame for the collapse of the Soviet Union, and a key ally of Ukraine in the current conflict.
Key shipping lane, mentioned by Zelenskyy as being blocked and contributing to the energy crisis, rather than Russian actions.
A major river in Ukraine, used to describe the current front lines, splitting Kherson city between Ukrainian and Russian control.
A region where Putin started a war and completely destroyed the country, using similar military commanders as in Ukraine.
Site of a pivotal battle where Ukrainian forces prevented Russian paratroopers from establishing a major landing force near Kyiv.
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