WEBVTT 00:00.866 --> 00:02.166 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:40% - This was never about Ukraine for me. 00:02.166 --> 00:05.833 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% This was always about American values and democracy 00:05.833 --> 00:07.100 align:start position:30% line:84.67% size:37.5% and what it is, 00:07.100 --> 00:09.400 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:60% and where it comes from, 00:09.400 --> 00:11.400 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:45% and what it means. 00:11.400 --> 00:13.233 align:start position:25% line:10% size:50% This guy is an actor 00:13.233 --> 00:14.633 align:start position:25% line:10% size:50% and he's a good one. 00:14.633 --> 00:17.700 align:start position:15% line:10% size:70% You know, he knows that this has to be "Henry V" now, 00:17.700 --> 00:19.433 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:55% and it has to be real. 00:19.433 --> 00:23.466 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% And that's where this sense of character and courage 00:23.466 --> 00:28.400 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% and spirit that I think was really inspiring to me. 00:28.400 --> 00:29.833 align:start position:35% line:84.67% size:25% came from. 00:29.833 --> 00:32.300 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% - Coming up on "Laura Flanders & Friends", 00:32.300 --> 00:34.666 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% the place where the people who say it can't be done, 00:34.666 --> 00:37.133 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:57.5% take a back seat to the people who are doing it. 00:37.133 --> 00:38.666 align:start position:37.5% line:84.67% size:20% Welcome. 00:38.666 --> 00:42.433 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:72.5% (playful bright upbeat music) 01:15.400 --> 01:16.666 align:start position:20% line:10% size:60% The award-winning actor, 01:16.666 --> 01:18.700 align:start position:25% line:10% size:50% director and writer, Liev Schreiber, 01:18.700 --> 01:20.400 align:start position:10% line:10% size:80% heralded by "The New York Times" 01:20.400 --> 01:23.400 align:start position:12.5% line:10% size:75% as the finest American theater actor of his generation 01:23.400 --> 01:26.800 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:62.5% is known for his stirring Broadway performances in plays 01:26.800 --> 01:30.866 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% like "Glengarry Glen Ross," "Talk Radio," and "Doubt," 01:30.866 --> 01:33.433 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:50% and television shows like "Ray Donovan", 01:33.433 --> 01:36.733 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% leading seven seasons of the acclaimed Showtime drama 01:36.733 --> 01:40.500 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% earning five Golden Globe and three Emmy nominations. 01:40.500 --> 01:43.166 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:55% Schreiber also starred in and executive produced 01:43.166 --> 01:44.766 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:62.5% "Ray Donovan: The Movie," 01:44.766 --> 01:47.000 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% and recently played opposite Nicole Kidman 01:47.000 --> 01:48.866 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:60% in "The Perfect Couple." 01:48.866 --> 01:50.700 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% You may have seen him in films too, 01:50.700 --> 01:53.166 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% such as "Spotlight," "The Manchurian Candidate," 01:53.166 --> 01:56.600 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," and many others. 01:56.600 --> 02:00.166 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:60% What you may not know is that he is also a prominent 02:00.166 --> 02:02.266 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:57.5% and committed activist. 02:02.266 --> 02:04.766 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% Most notably, Schreiber has been active 02:04.766 --> 02:06.933 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:40% on behalf of the nation of Ukraine, 02:06.933 --> 02:08.266 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:62.5% which is currently locked 02:08.266 --> 02:11.100 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:37.5% in a multi-year existential battle 02:11.100 --> 02:13.700 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:50% against the invading forces of Russia 02:13.700 --> 02:16.000 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:80% and its dictator Vladimir Putin. 02:16.000 --> 02:17.866 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% Recently, Schreiber had the opportunity 02:17.866 --> 02:21.566 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:65% to interview the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, 02:21.566 --> 02:25.800 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:70% as part of a new documentary titled "Meeting Zelenskyy." 02:25.800 --> 02:27.900 align:start position:35% line:79.33% size:32.5% The film is a fascinating portrait 02:27.900 --> 02:29.466 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:72.5% of Ukraine's embattled leader 02:29.466 --> 02:33.466 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% and showcases rare footage of Zelenskyy's early days 02:33.466 --> 02:36.100 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:30% as an actor, director, and writer, 02:36.100 --> 02:39.666 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:77.5% as well as a major entrepreneur who founded and led 02:39.666 --> 02:42.533 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% one of Eastern Europe's largest media companies 02:42.533 --> 02:44.133 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:57.5% making 40 feature films 02:44.133 --> 02:46.566 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% and creating highly popular TV shows, 02:46.566 --> 02:48.433 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:80% including one that's been called 02:48.433 --> 02:51.133 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Ukraine's "Saturday Night Live." 02:51.133 --> 02:55.233 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:80% The film also charts Zelenskyy's surprising rise to power 02:55.233 --> 02:57.500 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% following another of his hit shows 02:57.500 --> 02:59.366 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:75% called "Servant of the People" 02:59.366 --> 03:02.133 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% in which he portrayed a disgruntled high school teacher 03:02.133 --> 03:05.233 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:55% whose sharp criticisms of his country's leaders 03:05.233 --> 03:08.000 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% result in his upset election as president. 03:08.000 --> 03:09.433 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:45% Life imitated art. 03:09.433 --> 03:10.633 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:42.5% In a few moments, 03:10.633 --> 03:12.766 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:75% we'll talk with Liev Schreiber 03:12.766 --> 03:14.766 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% about his encounter with Zelenskyy, 03:14.766 --> 03:17.100 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:45% how and why he got involved in the film, 03:17.100 --> 03:19.733 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:62.5% what the Ukrainian leader is like behind the scenes, 03:19.733 --> 03:23.866 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:60% and what hopes and fears Schreiber has for Ukraine 03:23.866 --> 03:27.433 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:72.5% as it enters perhaps the most perilous part of its battle 03:27.433 --> 03:29.366 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:67.5% to maintain its sovereignty 03:29.366 --> 03:31.366 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:35% in the face of overwhelming pressure. 03:31.366 --> 03:32.766 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:62.5% But first, here is a clip 03:32.766 --> 03:35.633 align:start position:35% line:79.33% size:32.5% from the film "Meeting Zelenskyy." 03:35.633 --> 03:39.400 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% - [Liev] On the morning of February 24, 2022, 03:39.400 --> 03:42.700 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. 03:45.066 --> 03:48.000 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:55% - [Reporter 1] Russian troops are now 20 miles 03:48.000 --> 03:49.666 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:57.5% outside of the capital. 03:49.666 --> 03:51.433 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% - [Reporter 2] It's going to be extremely difficult 03:51.433 --> 03:54.066 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% for the Ukrainian military to defend from this. 03:54.066 --> 03:57.400 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% - [Liev] The world's second largest military superpower 03:57.400 --> 03:58.866 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:52.5% had just declared war 03:58.866 --> 04:01.200 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:50% on a country it once swore to protect. 04:03.633 --> 04:05.166 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:70% As missiles indiscriminately 04:05.166 --> 04:07.433 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:37.5% destroyed homes and infrastructure, 04:07.433 --> 04:10.300 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% millions of women and children fled the country 04:10.300 --> 04:12.866 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:40% while men of all ages and vocations 04:12.866 --> 04:16.933 align:start position:27.5% line:74% size:45% lined up to defend their homeland against impossible odds. 04:16.933 --> 04:20.000 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:72.5% For those of us watching from the comfort of our couches, 04:20.000 --> 04:22.633 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:55% things weren't looking good for Ukraine. 04:22.633 --> 04:24.300 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:67.5% Pundits and prognosticators 04:24.300 --> 04:26.866 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% were predicting that Kyiv would fall within the week. 04:26.866 --> 04:28.133 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:37.5% - As we've been warning for months, 04:28.133 --> 04:30.000 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% Kyiv falling is a real possibility. 04:30.000 --> 04:31.866 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% - [Liev] But on day two of the invasion 04:31.866 --> 04:34.600 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% on the street just outside the president's office, 04:34.600 --> 04:36.933 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:75% something remarkable happened. 04:36.933 --> 04:41.733 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% (Zelenskyy speaking in Ukrainian) 04:47.866 --> 04:49.600 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:80% - [Liev] His message was simple. 04:49.600 --> 04:52.266 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:57.5% I am here, we are here. 04:52.266 --> 04:53.833 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:67.5% But the sentiment it evoked 04:53.833 --> 04:56.033 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% struck a nerve not just in Ukraine, 04:56.033 --> 04:58.466 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:50% but with millions of people around the world. 04:58.466 --> 05:01.466 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:77.5% Who in the face of increasingly authoritarian regimes, 05:01.466 --> 05:04.733 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:67.5% were now seeing that it was possible to face down bullies, 05:04.733 --> 05:07.200 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:42.5% that this was the function of a democracy. 05:08.400 --> 05:10.433 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:55% - Liev Schreiber, what a pleasure to meet you. 05:10.433 --> 05:12.733 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:77.5% Thank you so much for your work 05:12.733 --> 05:15.000 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:80% over the years and on this film. 05:15.000 --> 05:16.100 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:47.5% - Thank you, Laura. 05:16.100 --> 05:17.400 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:52.5% Really appreciate it. 05:17.400 --> 05:20.300 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% - It truly was, for me anyway, revelatory. 05:20.300 --> 05:22.233 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% For you, I understand it was somewhat personal. 05:22.233 --> 05:23.133 align:start position:40% line:84.67% size:17.5% How so? 05:23.133 --> 05:26.533 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:57.5% - I made a film in 2005 05:26.533 --> 05:28.033 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% called "Everything Is Illuminated," 05:28.033 --> 05:33.066 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:62.5% which is an adaptation of Jonathan Safran Foer's book, 05:34.400 --> 05:36.000 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:70% "Everything is Illuminated." 05:36.000 --> 05:37.733 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:45% It was actually an adaptation of a short story 05:37.733 --> 05:40.566 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:80% that he'd run in the New Yorker. 05:40.566 --> 05:43.200 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:52.5% And during that time, 05:43.200 --> 05:46.200 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% part of the reason that I wanted to make that film 05:46.200 --> 05:48.866 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% was because I have great grandparents 05:48.866 --> 05:52.200 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% and one grandparent that are from the region. 05:52.200 --> 05:55.400 align:start position:22.5% line:10% size:52.5% And so I did a little tour of Ukraine 05:55.400 --> 05:57.400 align:start position:27.5% line:10% size:42.5% trying to find my grandfather's village 05:57.400 --> 06:02.433 align:start position:27.5% line:10% size:40% and wrote a film about an American 06:03.633 --> 06:06.233 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:47.5% who goes to Ukraine to find his heritage. 06:06.233 --> 06:08.333 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% And of course then read Jonathan's book 06:08.333 --> 06:09.500 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:80% and thought that was much better 06:09.500 --> 06:11.333 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:40% and asked him if he'd let me adapt it. 06:11.333 --> 06:13.600 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% And I adapted that and made the film. 06:13.600 --> 06:16.500 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:37.5% So when the war broke out in 2022, 06:16.500 --> 06:18.466 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:77.5% a lot of people were calling me 06:20.033 --> 06:22.266 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:37.5% assuming that I had some connection 06:22.266 --> 06:24.966 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% or would know how they could help. 06:24.966 --> 06:30.000 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% And I was disappointed that I didn't know what to do 06:31.100 --> 06:32.033 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:42.5% and I didn't know how we could help. 06:32.033 --> 06:33.166 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:70% And so I called some friends 06:33.166 --> 06:35.400 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:70% and we decided after reading 06:35.400 --> 06:37.766 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:55% Humanitarian Outcomes' report that year, 06:37.766 --> 06:39.833 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:67.5% that the best use of money, 06:39.833 --> 06:43.800 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:40% if donations was the way to help, 06:43.800 --> 06:46.500 align:start position:25% line:84.67% size:50% was to localize aid. 06:46.500 --> 06:49.100 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% My maternal grandparents were Ukrainian. 06:49.100 --> 06:50.433 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:65% So when a group of friends 06:50.433 --> 06:52.133 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% asked me to help them start an organization 06:52.133 --> 06:54.033 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% that would fast track humanitarian aid 06:54.033 --> 06:55.833 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:57.5% and support to Ukraine, 06:55.833 --> 06:57.466 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:57.5% it was easy to say yes. 06:57.466 --> 06:58.766 align:start position:30% line:84.67% size:40% Hi, how are you? 06:58.766 --> 07:01.200 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:50% I was invited to sit down with the president, 07:01.200 --> 07:03.333 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% discuss how else we might be able to help. 07:05.566 --> 07:07.066 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:60% After our first meeting, 07:07.066 --> 07:09.133 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:37.5% the actor in me couldn't help but wonder 07:09.133 --> 07:10.533 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:47.5% if the actor in him 07:10.533 --> 07:12.300 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:72.5% hadn't played some small role 07:12.300 --> 07:16.066 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:72.5% in his extraordinary response to Putin's aggression. 07:16.066 --> 07:17.966 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:70% Who was this former comedian 07:17.966 --> 07:20.466 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% from a small steel town in southern Ukraine 07:20.466 --> 07:21.766 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:47.5% who seemed so ready 07:21.766 --> 07:24.600 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:47.5% and willing to face down impossible odds? 07:24.600 --> 07:26.366 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:55% What were the elements that shaped him 07:26.366 --> 07:28.766 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:45% and how had he and his fellow Ukrainians 07:28.766 --> 07:30.800 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% risen to meet this incredible moment? 07:32.666 --> 07:35.600 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:62.5% And the opportunity arose to speak with him at length. 07:35.600 --> 07:36.866 align:start position:30% line:84.67% size:37.5% I jumped at it. 07:36.866 --> 07:38.866 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:57.5% - You've mentioned this idea of him as an actor, 07:38.866 --> 07:41.133 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% but what else were you curious about 07:41.133 --> 07:43.166 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:80% as you prepared to meet with him 07:43.166 --> 07:46.500 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% for this extended conversation on camera? 07:46.500 --> 07:51.466 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% - I don't want to diminish this president 07:53.100 --> 07:54.733 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:57.5% to just being an actor, 07:54.733 --> 07:57.233 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:40% but you know, if given the chance, 07:57.233 --> 08:01.633 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:60% I want to promote actors here a little bit, but the... 08:01.633 --> 08:04.033 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% - I mean, we had very set kind of stereotypes 08:04.033 --> 08:05.300 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:62.5% of who he was in the U.S. 08:05.300 --> 08:07.466 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% or maybe we didn't even have enough information 08:07.466 --> 08:08.933 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:77.5% to have a very good stereotype. 08:08.933 --> 08:12.533 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% But certainly it does seem as if, you know, 08:12.533 --> 08:14.700 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:75% we in the U.S. and maybe Putin 08:14.700 --> 08:16.066 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:50% and certainly people in the White House 08:16.066 --> 08:18.166 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:75% might have had Zelenskyy wrong 08:18.166 --> 08:19.566 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:80% thinking he was, quote, unquote, 08:19.566 --> 08:20.666 align:start position:30% line:84.67% size:40% "Just an actor," 08:20.666 --> 08:21.733 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:45% "Just a comedian," 08:21.733 --> 08:23.266 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:70% "Elected kind of by chance." 08:23.266 --> 08:25.633 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:67.5% - I guess that's, you know, 08:25.633 --> 08:28.766 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% a good actor is so much more than a performer. 08:28.766 --> 08:32.300 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% A good actor is someone who is able to see a narrative. 08:32.300 --> 08:35.333 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% And that if you're doing your part properly, 08:35.333 --> 08:40.166 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:62.5% you're filling in a small piece of a larger element. 08:40.166 --> 08:43.000 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% The performance is really not about you at all. 08:43.000 --> 08:44.766 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:72.5% It's an idea for the audience 08:44.766 --> 08:47.933 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:57.5% that ultimately returns something to themselves. 08:50.000 --> 08:53.033 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% And that's what I think a great actor does. 08:53.033 --> 08:58.100 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:55% And after I, you know, spend some time researching 08:58.900 --> 09:00.300 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:65% President Zelenskyy's work 09:00.300 --> 09:02.733 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% and what he accomplished, not just as an actor, 09:02.733 --> 09:07.233 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% but as a social satirist, a comedian, a writer, 09:07.233 --> 09:09.400 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:80% a producer, and then ultimately, 09:09.400 --> 09:14.400 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:75% the head of a very large media company that was creating 09:15.666 --> 09:18.300 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% content for Ukrainians, specifically for Ukraine, 09:20.300 --> 09:22.900 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:75% his skills were extraordinary. 09:22.900 --> 09:24.533 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:50% - So you can see why you, as you put it, 09:24.533 --> 09:26.200 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:50% jumped at the chance to make a film 09:26.200 --> 09:28.166 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% that involved you sitting with him 09:28.166 --> 09:29.633 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:75% closely and talking over time. 09:29.633 --> 09:32.066 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% Here's another clip from "Meeting Zelenskyy." 09:33.266 --> 09:36.266 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% - From what I read about your city, 09:36.266 --> 09:38.166 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:72.5% it was kind of a tough place, 09:38.166 --> 09:41.000 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% that there was a component of it that was dangerous. 09:41.000 --> 09:41.966 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:57.5% There were gangs there, 09:41.966 --> 09:43.433 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:62.5% and that it was important 09:43.433 --> 09:44.900 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:57.5% that you had to develop 09:44.900 --> 09:46.666 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% a kind of toughness there to survive. 09:46.666 --> 09:48.000 align:start position:32.5% line:84.67% size:35% Was that true? 09:48.000 --> 09:52.800 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% (Zelenskyy speaking in Ukrainian) 10:25.800 --> 10:27.566 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:62.5% - There is a stark moment 10:27.566 --> 10:29.733 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:70% where we see in this footage 10:29.733 --> 10:32.666 align:start position:32.5% line:10% size:35% from your film "Meeting Zelenskyy" 10:32.666 --> 10:34.200 align:start position:27.5% line:10% size:42.5% how brave he was. 10:34.200 --> 10:35.533 align:start position:25% line:10% size:50% Even as he's saying, 10:35.533 --> 10:37.000 align:start position:30% line:10% size:37.5% "We didn't know how brave we were 10:37.000 --> 10:39.366 align:start position:27.5% line:10% size:45% because nobody had done this before." 10:39.366 --> 10:40.700 align:start position:32.5% line:10% size:32.5% He was brave. 10:40.700 --> 10:43.300 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% Is there a particular instance of that 10:43.300 --> 10:44.833 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:57.5% that stands out to you? 10:44.833 --> 10:47.233 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% Because you bring us some startling ones in the film. 10:47.233 --> 10:49.333 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% - I think my favorite footage in the film 10:49.333 --> 10:51.966 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:40% is the interview with the First Lady, 10:51.966 --> 10:56.433 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% and how candid she was about how upset 10:56.433 --> 10:58.733 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:42.5% she was with him. 10:58.733 --> 11:00.800 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:42.5% First of all, for running for president. 11:02.233 --> 11:07.100 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:55% And secondly, for what they would have to endure 11:07.100 --> 11:09.000 align:start position:25% line:84.67% size:50% once Russia invaded. 11:09.000 --> 11:12.366 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:80% But her support and her strength 11:12.366 --> 11:15.000 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:75% and their courage as a couple, 11:15.000 --> 11:17.733 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% and their openness in this documentary, 11:17.733 --> 11:19.866 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:75% particularly her vulnerability 11:19.866 --> 11:21.166 align:start position:25% line:84.67% size:50% to show her humanity 11:21.166 --> 11:24.333 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% in those really, really terrifying moments. 11:24.333 --> 11:26.200 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:50% I mean, at the point that I'd interviewed her, 11:26.200 --> 11:29.433 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:55% I think there had been 12 assassination attempts 11:29.433 --> 11:31.100 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% on the president, who jokes about them, 11:31.100 --> 11:34.366 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:75% but they were all very serious assassination attempts. 11:34.366 --> 11:35.833 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:75% It's just extraordinary to see 11:35.833 --> 11:40.800 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:40% how human beings stand up to tyranny. 11:42.333 --> 11:43.866 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% And for me, as someone who had spent the past eight years 11:43.866 --> 11:47.433 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% of my life on a television show with two, at that time, 11:47.433 --> 11:49.566 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:72.5% two now three young children, 11:51.400 --> 11:53.166 align:start position:30% line:84.67% size:40% I wanted them... 11:53.166 --> 11:54.900 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:50% This was never about Ukraine for me. 11:54.900 --> 11:58.533 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% This was always about American values and democracy 11:58.533 --> 11:59.866 align:start position:30% line:84.67% size:37.5% and what it is, 11:59.866 --> 12:02.133 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:60% and where it comes from, 12:02.133 --> 12:03.900 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:45% and what it means. 12:03.900 --> 12:06.800 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% And I don't think that those values 12:06.800 --> 12:09.366 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:50% and those principles are on display 12:09.366 --> 12:12.566 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% anywhere more clearly than in Ukraine. 12:12.566 --> 12:14.400 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:80% - So elaborate on that a little. 12:14.400 --> 12:16.700 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:72.5% You indicate at the beginning 12:16.700 --> 12:18.900 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% that there was something about that pushback. 12:18.900 --> 12:20.233 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:57.5% It was not anticipated, 12:20.233 --> 12:22.033 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% that was counter to all of the punditry 12:22.033 --> 12:24.600 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% in the early days of February 2022 12:24.600 --> 12:27.400 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% that gave us a glimpse, us in this country 12:27.400 --> 12:28.733 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:80% and everywhere around the world, 12:28.733 --> 12:30.766 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:70% a glimpse of the possibility 12:30.766 --> 12:33.766 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% of standing up to authoritarianism, 12:33.766 --> 12:35.966 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:35% to a bully, to facing down a bully. 12:35.966 --> 12:37.266 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:72.5% And I couldn't help but think 12:37.266 --> 12:39.633 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% that that was a message to us in the U.S. 12:39.633 --> 12:40.533 align:start position:32.5% line:84.67% size:32.5% - Absolutely. 12:42.133 --> 12:46.400 align:start position:12.5% line:10% size:72.5% I think since the fall of the Soviet Union and perestroika, 12:47.066 --> 12:48.066 align:start position:27.5% line:10% size:45% after all of that, 12:48.066 --> 12:49.466 align:start position:12.5% line:10% size:75% after the Budapest memorandum, 12:49.466 --> 12:52.966 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% you know, the Ukrainians have done their best 12:52.966 --> 12:54.366 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:62.5% to develop their economy, 12:54.366 --> 12:55.733 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:62.5% to develop their culture. 12:55.733 --> 12:58.333 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% And one of the things that I think is extraordinary 12:58.333 --> 13:00.466 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% about the president and that I think, 13:00.466 --> 13:02.733 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:75% I hope is clear from the film, 13:02.733 --> 13:07.766 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:47.5% is that he was on a kind of laser-focused 13:09.300 --> 13:11.366 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:72.5% search for Ukrainian identity 13:11.366 --> 13:14.066 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% from the very beginning with his work. 13:14.066 --> 13:18.000 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:40% And I think that satirical sense, 13:18.000 --> 13:21.633 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:50% that satire and that politically-driven comedy 13:21.633 --> 13:24.800 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:80% that he was interested in doing, 13:24.800 --> 13:27.933 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% which was really poking at authoritarianism 13:27.933 --> 13:31.833 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:37.5% and tyranny was not only dangerous, 13:31.833 --> 13:35.533 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:77.5% but because it was so brilliant and funny, very successful. 13:35.533 --> 13:38.466 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:55% And it gave Ukrainians a sense of confidence 13:38.466 --> 13:41.400 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% in themselves, in their own culture, in their own language, 13:41.400 --> 13:43.600 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% in their own literature, in their own economy, 13:43.600 --> 13:45.633 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:65% and in their own politics. 13:45.633 --> 13:48.166 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:67.5% And they started to thrive. 13:48.166 --> 13:50.100 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:40% And I think that represented obviously 13:50.100 --> 13:52.933 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:60% a major threat to Putin. 13:52.933 --> 13:55.433 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:67.5% That trajectory of that man 13:56.866 --> 13:59.433 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:75% from an artist to a politician 13:59.433 --> 14:03.700 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:47.5% to an extraordinary inspirational leader, 14:03.700 --> 14:07.500 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% for me, he was always on the same trajectory. 14:08.666 --> 14:10.400 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% I was interested in this period of your life 14:10.400 --> 14:13.066 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:55% because it seemed like you were having success 14:13.066 --> 14:16.400 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:50% at a very rapid rate in your time in Moscow. 14:16.400 --> 14:17.833 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:55% And I'm just wondering 14:17.833 --> 14:20.066 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:37.5% and curious why you chose to return 14:20.066 --> 14:24.833 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% (Zelenskyy speaking in Ukrainian) 15:08.333 --> 15:11.966 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% - The bigger point, sorry, to get back to your question 15:13.233 --> 15:18.233 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:55% is how this represents democracy to me. 15:18.233 --> 15:19.800 align:start position:40% line:84.67% size:17.5% - Yeah. 15:19.800 --> 15:22.366 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:75% - And it's the principles that I think built this country, 15:22.366 --> 15:25.700 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% that's the principles this country was founded on, 15:25.700 --> 15:30.066 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:62.5% to separate from tyranny, 15:30.066 --> 15:33.133 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:72.5% to develop our own political, 15:33.133 --> 15:35.633 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:67.5% economic, social structure, 15:35.633 --> 15:38.500 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:77.5% language, religion, everything. 15:38.500 --> 15:41.700 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:40% And to fight for our independence 15:41.700 --> 15:45.200 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% and to fight for it together as a democracy, 15:45.200 --> 15:47.066 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:57.5% as a unified community. 15:47.900 --> 15:49.233 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:67.5% It's black and white there. 15:49.233 --> 15:51.966 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:37.5% It's, you know, because our democracy 15:51.966 --> 15:55.866 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:42.5% has suffered this kind of polarizing 15:58.833 --> 16:01.200 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:70% journey of the past 30 years 16:01.200 --> 16:05.633 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% where it's become a kind of competition 16:05.633 --> 16:07.500 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% and we've forgotten what our values are 16:07.500 --> 16:09.733 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% and we've forgotten what our two parties 16:09.733 --> 16:11.666 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:65% are supposed to stand for, 16:11.666 --> 16:13.633 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:42.5% and the fact that there could be more 16:13.633 --> 16:15.633 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:50% if we needed them or if we wanted them, 16:17.600 --> 16:21.200 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% is something that I think when people look at the film, 16:21.200 --> 16:24.266 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:70% and I think that people look at what's happening in Ukraine, 16:24.266 --> 16:29.066 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:50% hopefully it reminds them of our own democracy 16:29.066 --> 16:32.133 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:72.5% and why we need to respect it 16:32.133 --> 16:35.966 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% and do maintenance on it and be a part of it. 16:35.966 --> 16:37.366 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:45% - That being said, 16:37.366 --> 16:40.500 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:42.5% how did you react to that performance 16:40.500 --> 16:43.933 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% in the White House when Donald Trump 16:43.933 --> 16:47.500 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:42.5% basically grilled President Zelenskyy, 16:47.500 --> 16:49.233 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:60% raked him over the coals 16:49.233 --> 16:51.600 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:62.5% for all to see in public? 16:51.600 --> 16:53.800 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% - You know, it was a display for me, 16:53.800 --> 16:55.200 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:47.5% like so many things 16:55.200 --> 16:59.000 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% that our administration does right now, 17:02.233 --> 17:04.400 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:52.5% they are for the base 17:04.400 --> 17:07.100 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:37.5% and they are to consolidate power, 17:07.100 --> 17:10.133 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:47.5% and they're a show. 17:10.133 --> 17:12.766 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:62.5% I mean, I think that's so much of Trump's background 17:12.766 --> 17:14.033 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:55% is reality television, 17:14.033 --> 17:16.666 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% and I think he's brought that to the White House. 17:16.666 --> 17:20.900 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:50% By having said that, I was very impressed 17:20.900 --> 17:23.000 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% with how President Zelenskyy handled himself. 17:23.000 --> 17:25.100 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:70% He wasn't going to back down 17:25.100 --> 17:27.566 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% from misinformation or disinformation, 17:27.566 --> 17:29.666 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% and the first thing that set him off 17:29.666 --> 17:30.866 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:57.5% were the false numbers. 17:30.866 --> 17:32.266 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:75% And he had to say, "I'm sorry, 17:32.266 --> 17:34.166 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% but those numbers are just not correct." 17:34.166 --> 17:35.666 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:62.5% And you can't be telling, 17:35.666 --> 17:37.733 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:70% he understands the influence 17:37.733 --> 17:39.133 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:72.5% and the power of a democracy. 17:39.133 --> 17:42.400 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:60% You can't be telling the people things that aren't true. 17:42.400 --> 17:44.833 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:42.5% - I would love to reflect on this moment 17:44.833 --> 17:47.133 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:75% where it seems as if Zelenskyy 17:47.133 --> 17:49.866 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:55% and his administration and his people 17:49.866 --> 17:53.033 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% have pulled off an extraordinary military feat, 17:53.033 --> 17:54.533 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:52.5% one that has involved 17:54.533 --> 17:56.200 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:40% and required all sorts of ingenuity 17:56.200 --> 17:58.166 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:55% and creative thinking. 17:58.166 --> 18:00.766 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% I'm talking about Operation 'Spider's Web,' 18:00.766 --> 18:01.933 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:60% which as we're speaking, 18:01.933 --> 18:03.833 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:35% is really just resonating globally 18:03.833 --> 18:05.266 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:55% as a new model of war. 18:05.266 --> 18:08.633 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:55% Pilotless smart drones managed to make attacks 18:08.633 --> 18:10.766 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:45% deep inside Russia 18:10.766 --> 18:14.766 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% without the kind of massive technology we think of, 18:14.766 --> 18:18.333 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:57.5% but instead with nimble creative, smart weapons. 18:18.333 --> 18:19.766 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% I don't know what the future holds, 18:19.766 --> 18:23.933 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% but this does seem to be an extraordinary moment. 18:23.933 --> 18:26.166 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:80% - I think one only needs to look 18:26.166 --> 18:29.066 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:72.5% at how long they've been able to defend their territory 18:29.066 --> 18:31.433 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:42.5% and the effective operations that they've had. 18:31.433 --> 18:34.466 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% You know, 'Spider's Web' is an extraordinary example. 18:35.466 --> 18:39.100 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% And the resilience and the tenacity 18:39.100 --> 18:41.033 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:77.5% and the strength and, you know, 18:41.033 --> 18:43.466 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% it's one of those things that you can't help 18:43.466 --> 18:46.766 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:80% but sort of see in these kind of 18:48.600 --> 18:52.433 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:57.5% archetypal ways that... 18:52.433 --> 18:53.800 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:62.5% - Very David and Goliath. 18:53.800 --> 18:57.433 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:50% - Yeah, but it's the strength of truth. 18:57.433 --> 18:59.633 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:42.5% And that from the beginning I've felt 18:59.633 --> 19:04.166 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:52.5% that that I've always felt optimistic about this 19:04.166 --> 19:07.100 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% because they are on the side of truth. 19:07.100 --> 19:09.266 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:70% And that's the kind of thing 19:09.266 --> 19:12.433 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:67.5% that you can cover briefly, 19:12.433 --> 19:15.666 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:60% but it always comes out. 19:15.666 --> 19:17.133 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:47.5% It always surfaces. 19:17.133 --> 19:19.966 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% And it's also the kind of thing that builds morale, 19:19.966 --> 19:23.000 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% it builds courage, it builds principle. 19:24.166 --> 19:27.400 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% And I think they have that on their side 19:27.400 --> 19:32.266 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% where the Russian military is struggling. 19:33.400 --> 19:37.666 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:42.5% And to be honest, from my perspective 19:37.666 --> 19:40.266 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:50% and my visits and my time there, you know, 19:40.266 --> 19:42.066 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:57.5% they were on the ropes. 19:42.066 --> 19:43.433 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:62.5% - It should be remembered 19:43.433 --> 19:46.633 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% that there are continuing attacks by the Russians 19:46.633 --> 19:49.400 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% on infrastructure, on domestic facilities 19:49.400 --> 19:51.633 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:42.5% of healthcare and culture and education. 19:51.633 --> 19:52.600 align:start position:35% line:84.67% size:30% You name it. 19:52.600 --> 19:54.366 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:62.5% The situation isn't rosy. 19:54.366 --> 19:56.366 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:50% You talked about the humanitarian work 19:56.366 --> 19:57.866 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:80% you were doing at the beginning. 19:57.866 --> 19:59.400 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:65% Where does that stand now? 19:59.400 --> 20:02.400 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% Even as we talk about the overused word, 20:02.400 --> 20:04.900 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% but resilience of the Ukrainian people. 20:04.900 --> 20:09.766 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% - The need for humanitarian aid is really essential, 20:09.766 --> 20:12.533 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:32.5% especially in vulnerable communities. 20:12.533 --> 20:14.700 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:62.5% Obviously most of the men are serving in the military, 20:14.700 --> 20:16.833 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:45% so we've got a lot of women and children 20:16.833 --> 20:18.333 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:45% and elderly people 20:18.333 --> 20:20.800 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:67.5% who really need shoring up, 20:20.800 --> 20:23.666 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:42.5% people who refuse to leave their goat 20:23.666 --> 20:25.433 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:67.5% or their farm or their cat, 20:25.433 --> 20:27.400 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:55% or whatever it is that they don't wanna leave. 20:27.400 --> 20:29.466 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% And their attitudes are like, you know, 20:29.466 --> 20:31.133 align:start position:30% line:84.67% size:37.5% I'm already 80, 20:31.133 --> 20:33.300 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% or I don't care if they drop a missile 20:33.300 --> 20:35.933 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% on my head at this point, I'm not going anywhere. 20:35.933 --> 20:37.400 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% And so there's this wonderful organization 20:37.400 --> 20:39.366 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% that we work with called Starenki, 20:39.366 --> 20:40.933 align:start position:25% line:84.67% size:50% who goes out to them 20:40.933 --> 20:42.133 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:72.5% and visits them periodically. 20:42.133 --> 20:43.866 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:52.5% They bring them food. 20:43.866 --> 20:45.133 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:72.5% They bring them warming kits. 20:45.133 --> 20:46.100 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:77.5% They have tea parties for them. 20:46.100 --> 20:47.333 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:57.5% They get them together. 20:47.333 --> 20:48.566 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% They give them the sense of community. 20:48.566 --> 20:50.400 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:70% They bring them medications. 20:50.400 --> 20:51.700 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:57.5% Kidsave is another one. 20:51.700 --> 20:54.333 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:67.5% It's really a horrible time 20:54.333 --> 20:56.333 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:75% to be trying to raise a child. 20:56.333 --> 21:01.300 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:70% Kidsave is also runs several orphanages in Ukraine, 21:01.300 --> 21:02.766 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% but they also have these activities 21:02.766 --> 21:04.433 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:62.5% for parents and children. 21:04.433 --> 21:08.200 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:75% They educate children on mines and IEDs to keep them safe. 21:08.200 --> 21:10.800 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:80% They give them safety backpacks. 21:10.800 --> 21:12.266 align:start position:25% line:84.67% size:50% They have activities 21:12.266 --> 21:15.366 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:75% and ways to get them together, 21:15.366 --> 21:17.266 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:42.5% because obviously many of the schools 21:17.266 --> 21:20.100 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:40% and a lot of the infrastructure's been destroyed. 21:20.100 --> 21:22.333 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:40% So most kids are learning online, 21:22.333 --> 21:23.666 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:67.5% but Kidsafe makes an effort 21:23.666 --> 21:25.666 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:80% to have these kids come together 21:25.666 --> 21:27.500 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% and give them some sense of community. 21:30.100 --> 21:31.800 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:55% It's really important, 21:31.800 --> 21:35.833 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:45% at least to me and hopefully to my kids, 21:35.833 --> 21:38.800 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:80% that we understand the brutality 21:38.800 --> 21:42.266 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:70% of a situation like this one 21:42.266 --> 21:43.833 align:start position:30% line:84.67% size:40% and that we care 21:43.833 --> 21:45.166 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:40% and that we want to do something. 21:45.166 --> 21:48.333 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:62.5% And that in so many ways, 21:48.333 --> 21:51.000 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:45% to me, that's what it is to be American. 21:51.000 --> 21:54.066 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% - I couldn't possibly say, ask you, you know, 21:54.066 --> 21:57.800 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% how this experience has made your professional life 21:57.800 --> 21:59.700 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:40% deeper or richer or more empathic. 21:59.700 --> 22:02.966 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% I can't think of a more empathic actor, 22:02.966 --> 22:05.700 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% but has it changed you in any way? 22:05.700 --> 22:08.400 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:75% - Iolanta Pryshlyak is a woman 22:08.400 --> 22:12.866 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:75% who runs an orchestra in Lviv. 22:12.866 --> 22:14.666 align:start position:25% line:84.67% size:50% And I asked Iolanta, 22:14.666 --> 22:17.366 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:75% I said, you know, if you could say anything to Americans 22:17.366 --> 22:19.266 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:55% who are thinking about supporting Ukraine, 22:19.266 --> 22:20.833 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:47.5% what would you say? 22:20.833 --> 22:24.100 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% She looks into the corner of the room 22:24.100 --> 22:26.433 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% and then I can see tears welling in her eyes 22:26.433 --> 22:31.100 align:start position:35% line:79.33% size:32.5% and she says, well, in Ukrainian, 22:31.100 --> 22:35.900 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% she says, "If the war hasn't moved them, 22:35.900 --> 22:38.800 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% I really don't know what to say to them. 22:38.800 --> 22:43.733 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% All I know is to tell them to hold the people 22:44.700 --> 22:45.333 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:75% that they love close to them." 22:46.733 --> 22:49.966 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:67.5% And it just knocked me over 22:54.566 --> 22:57.166 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:75% how perfectly stated that was. 22:57.166 --> 22:58.366 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:55% That this was a person 22:58.366 --> 23:01.200 align:start position:35% line:79.33% size:32.5% who was in an existential situation. 23:01.200 --> 23:03.466 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:80% And in an existential situation, 23:03.466 --> 23:06.200 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:80% all that really matters is love. 23:06.200 --> 23:07.733 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:42.5% - Liev Schreiber, thank you so much. 23:07.733 --> 23:09.866 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:80% The film is "Meeting Zelenskyy". 23:09.866 --> 23:12.166 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:40% We'll close with President Zelenskyy's 23:12.166 --> 23:13.600 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:60% own thoughts on freedom. 23:13.600 --> 23:16.500 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% Here's another clip from "Meeting Zelenskyy." 23:16.500 --> 23:21.266 align:start position:27.5% line:10% size:47.5% (Zelenskyy speaking in Ukrainian) 23:59.466 --> 24:01.466 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:72.5% - There's something beautiful in what you just said. 24:01.466 --> 24:03.766 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% I wish you all the luck and a real honor to speak to you. 24:03.766 --> 24:04.933 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:62.5% Thank you, Mr. President. 24:04.933 --> 24:06.700 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% (Zelenskyy speaking in Ukrainian) 24:06.700 --> 24:08.300 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:47.5% - [Liev] Thank you. 24:14.933 --> 24:15.866 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:65% - The following commentary 24:15.866 --> 24:17.266 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:70% is going to mention suicide. 24:17.266 --> 24:18.466 align:start position:32.5% line:84.67% size:35% There is help. 24:18.466 --> 24:21.300 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:50% The national hotline number is 988, 24:21.300 --> 24:22.866 align:start position:32.5% line:84.67% size:35% and it's free. 24:22.866 --> 24:26.233 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:72.5% Not so long ago, Donald Trump compared the war in Ukraine 24:26.233 --> 24:29.633 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:37.5% to a playground battle between kids. 24:29.633 --> 24:31.566 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% To which President Zelenskyy replied, 24:31.566 --> 24:34.300 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:40% "We are not kids in a playground, 24:34.300 --> 24:38.066 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% but President Putin is a murderer killing kids." 24:38.066 --> 24:39.300 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:67.5% President Putin, of course, 24:39.300 --> 24:40.733 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:75% is not killing anyone himself. 24:40.733 --> 24:42.033 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:72.5% He's sending others to do it. 24:42.033 --> 24:45.266 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% The conscripted children of terrified parents 24:45.266 --> 24:49.200 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:57.5% and battlefield reports are replete with stories 24:49.200 --> 24:51.666 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:80% of soldier suicide at the front. 24:51.666 --> 24:53.533 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:35% In the US, our commander in chief 24:53.533 --> 24:55.933 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:77.5% is sending troops to US cities, 24:55.933 --> 24:59.066 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:45% National Guard and Marines, sending them out 24:59.066 --> 25:02.166 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% to enforce his mass immigration expulsion program. 25:02.166 --> 25:03.666 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% A program that more and more people 25:03.666 --> 25:05.066 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:62.5% are rejecting as illegal, 25:05.066 --> 25:08.066 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:50% immoral, un-American and should be stopped. 25:08.066 --> 25:12.266 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:75% He's also approving a military parade costing millions, 25:12.266 --> 25:15.633 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:52.5% even as he is cutting funds for veterans health. 25:15.633 --> 25:17.666 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:37.5% And the suicide statistics in this country 25:17.666 --> 25:19.666 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:75% continue to show that veterans 25:19.666 --> 25:21.566 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% commit suicide at elevated rates. 25:21.566 --> 25:24.733 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:65% Some 17 per day in the US. 25:24.733 --> 25:26.166 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:65% What I take from Zelenskyy 25:26.166 --> 25:28.600 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% is that it's important to send a message to people 25:28.600 --> 25:29.733 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:55% to do the right thing, 25:29.733 --> 25:31.500 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:40% to stand up, not for their commander, 25:31.500 --> 25:32.900 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:67.5% but for their constitution. 25:32.900 --> 25:34.766 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:70% Their country. Their people. 25:34.766 --> 25:36.000 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:65% And to resist doing things 25:36.000 --> 25:38.100 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:37.5% that they think might not be right. 25:38.100 --> 25:40.200 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:40% His message, "We have your back," 25:40.200 --> 25:44.700 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% seems like an apt message to US military today. 25:44.700 --> 25:46.000 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:52.5% So there you have it. 25:46.000 --> 25:48.433 align:start position:22.5% line:10% size:50% If you want my full, unedited conversation 25:48.433 --> 25:50.666 align:start position:15% line:10% size:70% with Liev Schreiber, you can get it through subscribing 25:50.666 --> 25:51.900 align:start position:25% line:10% size:50% to our free podcast. 25:51.900 --> 25:53.900 align:start position:27.5% line:10% size:47.5% All the information is at the website. 25:53.900 --> 25:55.133 align:start position:30% line:84.67% size:40% In the meantime, 25:55.133 --> 25:57.733 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:42.5% stay kind to stay curious, stay connected. 25:57.733 --> 26:00.100 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% For "Laura Flanders & Friends," I'm Laura. 26:00.100 --> 26:01.233 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:55% Thanks for joining us. 26:02.200 --> 26:03.433 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:60% For more on this episode 26:03.433 --> 26:05.200 align:start position:37.5% line:79.33% size:22.5% and other forward-thinking content, 26:05.200 --> 26:07.100 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:80% subscribe to our free newsletter 26:07.100 --> 26:08.966 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:72.5% for updates, my commentaries, 26:08.966 --> 26:11.433 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% and our full uncut conversations. 26:11.433 --> 26:12.833 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:57.5% We also have a podcast. 26:12.833 --> 26:15.966 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:72.5% It's all at lauraflanders.org 26:15.966 --> 26:19.166 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:52.5% (upbeat bright music)