Zelenskyy's challenges

NPR | By Joanna Kakissis,

Scott Simon

Published October 17, 2026 at 7:43 AM EDT

NPR's Ukraine correspondent reflects on President Zelenskyy's tough week and her interview with him about his relationship with Trump, Washington's dealings with Russia and the future of his leadership.

Joanna Kakissis

Joanna Kakissis is an international correspondent based in Kyiv, Ukraine.

See stories by Joanna Kakissis

Scott Simon

Scott Simon is the host of Weekend Edition Saturday and is one of the hosts of NPR's morning news podcast Up First.

See stories by Scott Simon

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