Ben Shapiro Interviews Zelensky in Kyiv, Presses Ukrainian Leader on U.S. Aid and Trump Tensions

NEW YORK – Conservative commentator Ben Shapiro traveled to Kyiv this week, where he sat down for a rare, in-depth interview with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky amid growing scrutiny over America’s ongoing support for the war-torn country.

Against the backdrop of Saint Sophia Cathedral, Shapiro questioned Zelensky on several pressing issues, including his high-stakes meeting in March with President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, as well as the staggering sum of U.S. aid—estimated at $200 billion—that Ukraine has received since the war began.

Zelensky admitted the Oval Office meeting “did not help Ukraine,” responding to concerns that his handling of the encounter may have fueled tensions.

The Ukrainian president also addressed American concerns over how the aid is being used. “There’s nothing to hide,” he said. “We are absolutely open.”

Shapiro said he traveled overland from Warsaw to conduct the interview in person, calling it a mission to “get the answers the American people deserve.”

I traveled to Ukraine to interview President Zelensky. Part 1 of our conversation drops tomorrow on The Ben Shapiro Show. pic.twitter.com/3jvUIU9m5s

— Ben Shapiro (@benshapiro) April 23, 2025

The conversation will be released in two parts on Shapiro’s show Thursday and Friday.

The interview comes as Trump escalates pressure on both Kyiv and Moscow to agree to what he has called a “final offer” peace proposal. Trump, posting on Truth Social, also criticized Zelensky for refusing to acknowledge Russia’s hold over Crimea, calling it an unnecessary roadblock to negotiations.

He warned that Zelensky faces a stark choice: accept peace terms or risk continuing a prolonged war with diminishing returns.

With the U.S. entering another presidential election cycle and public opinion shifting on foreign spending, Shapiro’s interview underscores the sharp divide over Ukraine policy and American involvement abroad.