Zelensky Has 'Cordial' Meeting With Stephen Fry in Kyiv

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he had a “cordial” meeting with Stephen Fry in Kyiv on September 7, with the British actor and writer calling Zelensky his “new bestie” in an Instagram post.

“Stephen Fry and I had a cordial and friendly meeting,” Zelensky said on X.

“We talked about a variety of aspects of Ukrainian life: culture, resilience, and our people’s bravery. I thanked him for supporting Ukraine. We all hope for a just peace to be restored,” he said.

Fry shared a photo of the meeting on Instagram, where he wrote, “With my new bestie. We had a terrific talk. I’ve been lucky enough to meet a few world leaders in my time, but none with whom I’ve felt such an instant connection. I do not envy the weight of responsibility on his shoulders and a workload that would fell an ox.” Credit: Volodymyr Zelensky via Storyful

Video transcript

VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY: Thank you.

STEPHEY FRY: I've been practicing. It's very good to meet you, sir.

VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY: Happy to see you.

STEPHEY FRY: What a pleasure. Thank you.

VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY: Thank you for coming. Please.

STEPHEY FRY: Wonderful. I had a fantastic time.

VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY: Yes, and everybody and-- and now and--

STEPHEY FRY: They're wonderful.

VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY: Yes, and my wife, everybody really happy how you-- host?

- Host.

VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY: Yes, yesterday host.

STEPHEY FRY: Its was such a pleasure.

VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY: Thank you.

STEPHEY FRY: It was a great success. It's a brilliant, brilliant idea.

[GENTLE MUSIC]

VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY: So that is about United24, some--

STEPHEY FRY: Oh, yes.

VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY: --some different things. This are some of the first ladies. And it's just-- just to remember.

STEPHEY FRY: A map of the country.

VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY: Yes.

STEPHEY FRY: [INAUDIBLE], this is very kind.

VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY: This is for you.

STEPHEY FRY: This is a wonderful thing to have.

VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY: That is for you.

STEPHEY FRY: Thank you, sir. I am so honored.

VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY: Maybe a bag will be useful?

STEPHEY FRY: Yes.

VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY: [INAUDIBLE]

STEPHEY FRY: It will be, with the colors on the handle.

VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY: Thank you so much.

STEPHEY FRY: Thank you very much.

VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY: My pleasure.

STEPHEY FRY: [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]

VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY: [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]

Thank you so much.

STEPHEY FRY: Thank you again.

VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY: All the best.

STEPHEY FRY: Bless you, sir. Thank you. Good luck with everything.

VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY: [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH] Bye-bye.