Ukraine President agrees to do three-hour podcast with Lex Fridman after Joe Rogan's rejection, Elon Musk gives one-word reaction

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has agreed to a three-hour podcast with Lex Fridman after Joe Rogan recently revealed that the 46-year-old wanted to make an appearance on his podcast to discuss the ongoing media coverage of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Rogan didn't mention whether it was scheduling issues or other factors that prevented the podcast from materializing. However, the revelation sparked reactions from both supporters and critics of the Ukrainian leader.

The UFC color commentator revealed the interest in a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience where he discussed the geopolitical dynamics of the war. His criticisms of Ukraine's reliance on American weaponry against Russia led to backlash, particularly from former boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko. Klitschko accused Rogan of amplifying "Russian propaganda".

In contrast, Fridman’s offer to host Zelenskyy for an in-depth discussion was warmly received. Fridman, a renowned podcaster known for interviewing influential figures, expressed his willingness to travel to Kyiv for the discussion. Zelenskyy promptly accepted the invite and wrote:

"Agreed. See you in Ukraine."

Elon Musk dropped a one-word reaction to the exchange on X and wrote:

"True"

Check out the full interaction below:

Musk, an advocate of direct communication, has been emphasizing the power of decentralized media and asserted that X is a safe space for free speech. The recent exchange between Fridman and Zelenskyy underscores how X has been instrumental in reshaping global political conversations.

The platform has also defended its content moderation approach in the past by stating that it strives for free speech while acknowledging challenges like disinformation and terrorist content during ongoing European Commission scrutiny.

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Russian chess grandmaster criticizes Joe Rogan's recent remarks about Ukraine

Joe Rogan's recent comments about Ukraine have sparked a backlash, with Russian chess grandmaster Garry Kasparov joining the wave of criticism.

Kasparov took to X to accuse Rogan of spreading false narratives about Ukraine and its president, Volodymyr Zelensky. Kasparov suggested Rogan was pushing an agenda by not providing a platform for pro-Ukrainian voices. While both men agree on the need for a quick resolution to the war, their approaches differ significantly. Kasparov wrote on X:

"[Joe] Rogan is under no obligation to host Zelensky, Klitschko, or anyone else. But after viciously attacking Ukraine with BS talking points, his agenda is clear if he doesn't allow for equal time. I'll also offer my services if a chess champion isn't too threatening for him!"

Check out Garry Kasparov's X post below: