Mainz – November 05, 2026 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sits down with German satirist Jan Böhmermann for an exclusive ZDF interview, available in full on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, on the ZDF streaming portal and on YouTube.
The TV version airs on Friday, 6 November
ZDF broadcasts the conversation on "ZDF Magazin Royale" on Friday, 6 November 2026, at 11 p.m.
Zelensky explains his path from comedian to wartime president
Böhmermann asks Zelensky about his unusual journey from comedian to head of a country at war. The conversation also covers Elon Musk's influence on US politics, British pop star James Blunt and skiing in Ischgl.
Zelensky sees hope in the Democratic midterm landslide
It is Zelensky's first public comment since the US midterm elections, in which the Democrats won a landslide victory. He says he is also grateful to the Republicans. In his view, though, the Democrats speak very clearly about supporting and helping Ukraine and about renewing the link between the US and Europe.
Zelensky says this gives him hope for a balance of power and for more support. If Congress now backs strong financial or weapons aid, as Europe does, he believes that would influence Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Zelensky thanks SpaceX but criticizes Musk's stance
Asked about Musk, Zelensky thanks SpaceX for providing connectivity, which he calls very helpful early in the war. He adds that Ukraine does not like Musk's position on the war.