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David Letterman Interviews Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy In Kyiv

Author Phil Harris
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sits for a press conference on April 23, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)

Over the years, David Letterman has interviewed just about everyone, from entertainers to heads of state, athletes to average citizens. However, the former Late Show host says his upcoming episode of “My Next Guest Needs No Introduction” is like no other interview he’s ever done.

For the standalone special episode of his Netflix series, Letterman traveled to war-torn Kyiv to sit down with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. For safety and security reasons the interview was conducted below ground in a subway station. “Planning this trip I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’ve never done anything quite like this,” Letterman told Yahoo!

Earlier this week, President Zelenskyy and the spirit of Ukraine were named Time magazine’s 2022 Person of the Year. While the conversation between Letterman and Zelenskyy will certainly center on Ukraine’s war with Russia, I’m curious to see if the two men connected at all through comedy during their time together. Before taking office in 2019, Zelenskyy was a successful comedian and actor. He even played the part of a fictional Ukrainian president in a 2015 television series called “Servant of the People.”

The new episode of “My Next Guest Needs No Introduction” hits Netflix on Monday, December 12th. By the way, David Letterman has been hosting the series since 2018 and it’s definitely worth checking out. Here’s a preview of his trip to Kyiv:

Phil Harris is 50% of "Phil & Mel in the Afternoon" on K104.7. He has been with the station since 2013 and on the air in Charlotte since 2000. Before coming to the Queen City, Phil worked for radio stations in Pittsburgh, Austin, and Seattle. In addition to the weekly "Throwback Threesome" music video feature, Phil writes about things that matter to Charlotte sports fans and pet owners. He happens to be both.

Classic Rockers Throw Their Support Behind Ukraine

A number of classic rock’s biggest names have come out in support of Ukraine in the days since Russia invaded the country.

Here is just a selection of statements from classic rock musicians.

  • The Who

    Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend shared a joint statement saying, “We stand by the people of Ukraine at this particularly harrowing time as we will stand for all who’s freedoms are violated.”

    They also shared the Howard Zinn quote, “There is no flag large enough to cover the shame of killing innocent people.”

  • David Gilmour

    Gilmour shared via Twitter, “Russian soldiers, stop killing your brothers. There will be no winners in this war. My daughter-in-law is Ukrainian and my grand-daughters want to visit and know their beautiful country. Stop this before it is all destroyed. Putin must go.”

    https://twitter.com/davidgilmour/status/1498612464304459780

  • Brian May

    Brian May shared a lengthy statement via Instagram that reads, in part, “So many great memories of great times in Ukraine. This picture is of our unforgettable show night in Freedom Square, Kharkiv in 2008. It seems unbelievable that the peaceful life of Ukraine could be so senselessly shattered in the 21st century. And it feels unbearable that the world could just watch and let it happen. We are all praying for peace for you, dear friends.” 

  • Pearl Jam

    In a joint statement, Pearl Jam said, “The majority of humans on this planet are more consumed by the pursuit of love, health, family, food and shelter than any kind of war. War hurts. We are such a remarkable species. Capable of creating beauty. Capable of awe-inspiring advancements. We must be capable of resolving conflicts without bloodshed. Join us in supporting the most vulnerable victims of this horror, the kids: Voices.org.ua/en”

  • Stevie Nicks

    Nicks shared a story about connecting with a woman who lives in Ukraine and saying, “Now I know someone, an innocent person, who is having her freedom taken from her. I have been crying every since…This is Hitler coming back to haunt us. In one evening — until now, an entire sovereign country has been full-on invaded…How dare he. My heart is broken for our new friend and for the people of Ukraine. I am so, so sorry.”

  • Paul Stanley

    Stanley shared via Twitter, “While we are living our everyday blessed lives, the people of Ukraine are fighting for theirs against overwhelming odds.We are watching in real time as families are decimated and a country is battered. There’s a dark cloud over us all who are powerless today to help. I will pray.”

  • David Coverdale

    The Whitesnake singer has shared many posts in support of Ukraine and offered thoughts and prayers to those fighting against violent forces.

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