"It was very difficult at first": Host Daniel Tkie speaks candidly about interviews with high-ranking Western officials and his meeting with Trump

As a journalist, Daniel Tkie is accustomed to seeking answers to tough questions and analyzing the events that shape the international agenda.

His work involves constantly monitoring world news, communicating with foreign politicians, military officials, and experts, and trying to understand how the war in Ukraine is perceived abroad.

At the same time, what remains behind the scenes includes not only hours of preparation for interviews but also a great deal of personal insight: his path to the profession, doubts about his own choices, unexpected encounters, and humorous moments that viewers usually don’t see.

As part of 24 Channel’s special project “Behind the Scenes,” host Daniel Tkie talked about how he first ended up in front of the camera, why he didn’t become a diplomat, what surprised him most during his meeting with Donald Trump, and how foreign speakers support Ukraine far beyond its borders.

“My dad wanted me to be a dentist”: on the difficult but personal choice of a career

Daniel Tkie’s family knows medicine well: both of his parents are doctors. His father, Basel Tkie, is originally from Syria. He came to Lviv to study at the Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University and later stayed here to work. But the City of the Lion gave him not only a career but also love – it was here that he met his future wife.

My dad had always dreamed that his son would carry on the family tradition. However, Daniel had completely different plans.

“My dad wanted me to be a dentist, an orthodontist. But I was very interested in politics, international politics, and I didn’t go down that path,”
– the host recalls.

At first, his father didn’t fully understand his son’s choice, but eventually everything changed. Seeing his professional achievements, he began to support Daniel and was happy that he had found his calling in a different field.

The host himself is convinced that even if your parents envision a different future for you, you shouldn’t be afraid to choose your own path.

You have to choose your own path, pursue it, and never be afraid to go your own way,” notes Daniel.

Interestingly, his interest in politics began back in high school. Even then, the future host already had the 24 Channel app on his smartphone – which is quite symbolic. That’s where he got his news and kept up with international events and political developments. So enrolling in the Faculty of International Relations at Ivan Franko National University of Lviv was a natural decision.

There, Daniel earned a bachelor’s degree in international relations and later decided to continue his studies in the master’s program, majoring in “International Law.” He wanted to try something new and expand his knowledge. Although Daniel initially envisioned a future in international politics, his career path ultimately led him to television.

Daniel during his studies / Photo from the host’s personal archive

“They put me on live TV right away”: On his first steps in journalism

Daniel didn’t get into journalism through a traditional job search, but rather through his own initiative. While still a senior in college, he decided to write to nearly all Ukrainian and Lviv-based media outlets. In his letters, he offered his services as a writer of analytical pieces on international politics and world events. The TV channel “Pershyi Zakhidnyi” was the first to respond – and that’s where his professional career began.

At first, Daniel worked with the editorial team as an international affairs expert: he appeared on radio shows and commented on events abroad. However, his full-time work in television began only after Russia’s full-scale invasion.

In March 2022, the channel’s director, Olga Tsap, called him with an offer to become a host. “First Western,” which at the time was operating as a 24-hour telethon, needed someone who specialized in international affairs.

They thought of Daniel and invited him to join the team. And he didn’t start out writing news stories or working as a journalist in the traditional sense.

“They put me on live TV right away. It was tough at first, but I eventually got used to it,”
the host recalls with a smile.

From day one, Daniel was tasked with hosting the morning show: reporting on the most important international events, monitoring the global press, and explaining to viewers what was happening outside Ukraine.

Daniel during his first broadcasts / Photo from the host’s personal archive

“I asked very pointed questions”: on his first interview with the former CIA director

One of Daniel’s first major challenges in international journalism was an interview with retired U.S. General David Petraeus, the former director of the CIA. The host prepared for this interview with particular care and, despite his nerves, decided not to tone down his questions. At the time, Ukraine was in dire need of military aid from its partners, and the West’s indecision had sparked considerable outrage.

The conversation took place in 2023, even before Ukrainian counteroffensive. Daniel recalls that at the time he had quite a few grievances against the U.S. administration: why Washington wouldn’t agree to close Ukrainian airspace, was delaying arms deliveries, and was cautious about transferring HIMARS long-range missile systems to Ukraine.

“I was very anxious and worried back then; I prepared for a very long time, but the interview turned out great. I asked some pretty pointed questions,” the host says.

At the time, the young journalist’s passion even surprised the American general a bit. And Daniel himself remembers the atmosphere of that period well: Ukrainians were expecting more decisive action from their allies, and every delay in providing aid was felt particularly acutely.

This conversation remains special to him not only because of his interviewee’s status. The host calls it one of his most candid and incisive interviews. And although he was quite nervous before his first such meeting, it seems to have only strengthened his confidence that there’s no need to be afraid of tough questions.

One of Daniel’s recent interviews with Petraeus: watch the video

“This Isn’t for Entertainment”: On Working at 24 Channel and His Daily Routine

Daniel Tkie joined the 24 Channel team in August 2024. He submitted his resume on his own initiative and later spoke with Programming Director Natalia Marchuk. During the meeting, he proposed developing a segment he already knew well and had experience in: international interviews.

His interviewees include retired American and British military officers, former and current diplomats, government officials, analysts, economists, and professors. Most often, these are English-speaking guests with whom the host discusses international politics, Ukraine’s relations with the U.S., and major global events.

In addition to interviews, Daniel prepares analytical pieces for the 24 Channel website. However, it is his conversations with foreign experts that remain the main part of his work.

A Day in Daniel’s Life / Photo courtesy of the host

The host’s workday begins with what, at first glance, seems like a routine ritual – a cup of coffee. Without it, Daniel admits, he can’t get down to work. But there’s another essential part of his morning – reviewing the international press.

His daily sources include Reuters, CNN, the Financial Times, and Bloomberg. He also follows Ukrainian media, particularly “Ukrainska Pravda” and his home channel, 24 Channel.

“It’s not for entertainment – it’s for work, to stay up to date on the most important things happening in the world right now,”
– explains the host.

So behind every conversation viewers see on screen lies a great deal of daily work that begins long before the camera turns on.

“They invite me out for coffee and dinner”: on friendly relationships with international speakers

For Daniel, working with international speakers goes beyond arranging interviews, preparing questions, and recording conversations. Over the years, he has developed not only professional but also friendly relationships with many of his interviewees.

This is especially evident during trips abroad. For the host, a trip isn’t just an opportunity to record a few interviews or comments, but also a chance to meet in person with people he regularly communicates with from afar.

It’s about working with people. It means even going out for a beer or a cup of coffee with them. It means befriending them, working with them, and guiding them. You have to be friends with them so they don’t forget about us and continue to collaborate,
– explains Daniel.

He calls this kind of interaction a form of journalistic diplomacy. After all, international experts, military personnel, and former officials who agree to speak with Ukrainian media usually do not receive fees for doing so. That’s why personal contact and mutual trust become an important part of the collaboration.

It’s important to Daniel to maintain friendly relations with foreign experts / Photo courtesy of the host

The host particularly remembers a recent trip to the United Kingdom, where he traveled with his wife, Marta. There, Daniel recorded a podcast with Sean Bell, a former pilot and retired Vice Marshal of the Royal Air Force, after which Bell invited the couple to dinner at the Royal Air Force Club.

This venue, which includes both a restaurant and a hotel, is intended for the leisure activities of British Air Force officers. Admission is by invitation only from Royal Air Force officers.

Daniel and his wife at dinner at the Royal Air Force Club / Photo courtesy of the host

According to Daniel, there is much more to this hospitality than mere personal goodwill. He feels that his interlocutors, above all, have great respect for Ukraine, the Ukrainian people, and the Armed Forces. They understand the price Ukrainians are paying for resisting Russian aggression and are grateful that Ukraine continues to fight.

That is precisely why, when the journalist asks them for a comment, many readily agree. These people not only give interviews but also stay in touch, maintain contact, and express a desire to help the Ukrainian media.

“We’re not just coworkers – we’re friends,” the host emphasizes.

“The guest came with his wife and was freezing”: a funny incident during an interview

Not all business trips abroad are remembered solely for serious conversations about politics. Sometimes funny situations arise that later become stories in their own right. Daniel brought back one such story from Munich, where he attended a security conference this year and recorded an interview with retired U.S. General Ben Hodges.

This meeting also stood out for the host because of an unexpected introduction – Hodges didn’t come to the recording alone, but with his wife, who was also accredited for the conference. The general introduced her to Daniel.

However, the most interesting part awaited them during the interview itself. The Munich Conference studio was set up outdoors. Despite the special heated seats for guests, the cold and rain took their toll.

He was freezing during the interview. It was probably around 5–8 degrees, and it was raining, too,
” Daniel recalls.

There was no way to reschedule the recording: other locations were booked, and there was very little time left. So the interviewees had to pull themselves together and finish the conversation right there in the cold. In the end, they managed to record the interview. Afterward, Hodges joked that he hoped to meet indoors next time, rather than out in the open.

Interview with Hodges out in the open / Screenshot from the video

“It made a big impression on me”: On the fascinating experience of meeting Trump at the Ankara Summit

One of Daniel’s most memorable professional experiences was a trip to Turkey for the NATO summit in Ankara on July 8, 2026. There, the host had the opportunity to personally observethe meeting between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump. He says the atmosphere was quite warm at the time, and the presidents spoke as if they had known each other for a long time.

However, what he remembered most was not the nature of the meeting itself, but the moment when the American president spoke with journalists. One of them asked Trump how he planned to force Vladimir Putin to end the war against Ukraine.

Instead of giving a clear answer, the American leader paused for a moment, then turned to those present with an unexpected question: “What would you ask him? I’ll be having a phone call with him soon. What would you ask?”

The journalists began offering their suggestions, including asking the Russian dictator when he would finally end the war. Trump agreed that this was a good question and promised to ask it during his conversation with Putin.

And that really struck me, because, first of all, it’s Trump who should be telling us what to do about Putin, not the journalists. But the U.S. president started asking the journalists that very question. And second, it was striking that he began to hesitate, not quite sure if there was anything else he could do,
– the host recalled.

Daniel speculates that at that moment, the American leader either didn’t have a clear understanding of how to proceed or believed that Washington had already exhausted all possible means of pressure on Moscow.

Daniel during the NATO summit in Ankara / Photo courtesy of the host

This episode seems particularly telling to Daniel now, asThe Trump administration's rhetoric and actions regarding Russia is changing once again. He recalls that Volodymyr Zelenskyy was also present during that meeting. The Ukrainian president’s expression made it clear that the American leader’s remarks to the journalists had also come as a surprise to him.

“I’d thought about this before”: Why Daniel didn’t choose a career in diplomacy

After busy workdays, Tkiye tries to set aside time for the people who matter most to him. His wife – whom he affectionately calls Martusia – and their ten-year-old dog, Neli, an English Cocker Spaniel, help him recharge the most.

The couple usually spends their weekends together: they play sports, go to the movies, visit cafes, or simply take walks. It is in these ordinary moments, far from international news, political debates, and constant communication with guests, that the host finds the strength to tackle new professional challenges.

Daniel with his wife and dog / Photo from the host’s personal archive

But if journalism hadn’t become his profession back then, Daniel would most likely have pursued a career in diplomacy. After graduating from the School of International Relations, he seriously considered working at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, over time, he realized that international journalism offers him opportunities that, at the start of a diplomatic career, would have taken years to come by.

I realize that I’m now interacting with high-level officials. I’m talking about defense ministers, foreign ministers of the European Union and NATO, current and former officials. These are people at a higher level than those I would have been able to interact with had I joined the Ukrainian diplomatic service in my early years,”
– explains the host.

In his opinion, one of the main advantages of international journalism is the ability to gain faster access to people who make important decisions. A journalist who is well-versed in international affairs can communicate directly with ministers, NATO representatives, prime ministers, and even presidents. In contrast, a young diplomat often starts their career in lower-level positions, where a significant portion of the work involves paperwork and bureaucratic processes.

Daniel does not deny the importance of the diplomatic service, but he believes that changes are needed in Ukraine. Specifically, he is referring to more decent salaries, more effective internship programs, and opportunities for faster professional development. In his view, young professionals should not remain at the same level for years on end.

Daniel had previously considered a career in diplomacy / Photo courtesy of the host

So for now, Daniel has no regrets about choosing journalism back then. It has allowed him to remain in the world of international politics while at the same time being much closer to the people who shape its agenda.

For now, international journalism is the way forward. At least in my case, it’s much more effective at this stage of my life and career,
the host concludes.

“It’s there, we just don’t always feel it”: on support for Ukraine and what he wants to say to viewers

To conclude the conversation, Daniel wants to address Ukrainians with a simple but important reminder: despite fatigue, disappointment, and difficult news, Ukraine has strong support abroad. Through his work with international speakers and numerous trips abroad, he has repeatedly seen firsthand that the world is in awe of the resilience of Ukrainians and the struggle of our defenders.

The host notes that this support isn’t always tangible, especially when people have to cope with the aftermath of Russian shelling and live under wartime conditions every day. However, it hasn’t gone anywhere.

This is evidenced, in particular, by the international audience of the YouTube channel “War and Politics 24,” where his interviews with international experts are posted. They are watched not only by Ukrainians but also by foreigners who are interested in hearing about Ukraine and understanding what is happening in our country.

“We may not hear this every day, but if you were to go to the United States right now and talk to people, you’d all hear support for Ukraine,”
– Daniel emphasizes.

He urges Ukrainians not to lose faith in themselves, to remain strong, and not to let circumstances break the resilience that the whole world admires. The host also believes that the war will ultimately end through diplomatic means, and that Ukraine will be able to achieve a favorable outcome.

Daniel also mentions the partners who continue to support our country, particularly European nations and the United Kingdom. In his view, they have a vested interest in ensuring that the end of the war brings Ukraine a just and lasting peace.

The host understands that after numerous disappointments and unmet expectations, it is becoming increasingly difficult for people to believe in such prospects. However, he urges everyone not to give up and to persevere through yet another difficult stretch of this journey.

“I am confident that eventually the time will come and this war will end. It will certainly be a dignified, just, and honorable conclusion,”
– says Daniel.

He adds: no matter how hard Russia tries to break the Ukrainians with shelling, threats, and its plans, it will not succeed. After all, Ukraine’s strength lies not only in its resistance on the battlefield, but also in the people who continue to hold on, work, support one another, and believe in their future.