1:58Jonathan Karl speaks with Nancy Pelosi in Washington D.C., on December 18, 2025, during an interview for ABC’s “This Week with George Stephanopoulos,” set to air on December 21, 2025.Al Drago/ABC
A preliminary transcript of "This Week with George Stephanopoulos" scheduled for Sunday, December 28, 2025, on ABC News is provided below. This document might not reflect the final version, may be subject to updates, and could contain minor transcription inaccuracies. For past show transcripts, please check the "This Week" transcript archive.
KARL: I’m now joined by Republican Congressman Mike Turner from Ohio. He is a member of the House Armed Services Committee.
Before we delve into the news regarding Ukraine, let’s discuss the assaults on the ISIS targets.
Pete Hegseth recently released a statement on social media indicating, “more to come.” Are we currently involved in a military confrontation in Nigeria? What’s the situation?
REP. MIKE TURNER, (R) OHIO & ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE MEMBER: Well, Jon, this is indeed an extension of our ongoing conflict with ISIS. It has been a global issue, affecting places like Iraq and Syria. Now, we’re witnessing it unfold in Nigeria. This operation was conducted in cooperation with the Nigerian government. It represents a continuation of our fight against ISIS worldwide.
KARL: It’s noteworthy that in just the last two weeks, we’ve seen strikes in Nigeria and also in Syria.
TURNER: Still targeting ISIS.
KARL: Also directed at ISIS. Additionally, there have been ongoing assaults in the Caribbean on supposed drug vessels, along with President Trump’s hints that he might target land locations in Venezuela, possibly even Colombia. This represents a significant shift in military strategy compared to his first term.
TURNER: Well, not necessarily. If you consider the continuity of foreign policy from the first term into the second, particularly regarding ISIS, there’s a consistent approach, both in Iraq, where we aimed to defeat ISIS, and in Syria. And now, with these actions in Nigeria, we see that ISIS remains a global threat that we must continue to address with our allies; otherwise, they will persist as a danger.
KARL: Let’s shift our focus to today’s meeting with Zelenskyy. What are your thoughts on what might transpire there?
TURNER: Well, the images of Putin serve as a grim reminder that this is an act of aggression. As he relentlessly bombards Kyiv and its civilian structures, it underscores the reality of the situation.
KARL: He’s targeting residential buildings. I mean, he —
TURNER: Exactly. He’s reminding us that we cannot support this. You know, for America, when we consider where we stand, it’s impossible to be America first and pro-Russia. Russia has declared itself an enemy of the United States. They are indiscriminately killing Ukrainians and attempting to seize Ukrainian territory. Thus, the president is right to assert the need to conclude this conflict.
However, in pursuit of peace, Russia demands Ukrainian land. Ukrainians have shown incredible resolve in defending their territory. Zelenskyy has been a pivotal leader in that fight. Now, as he meets with Zelenskyy, he’s engaging with the individual who has spearheaded the resistance against Russian hostility.
In this peace negotiation, while Russia seeks concessions from Ukraine, it poses a significant challenge since Ukraine is asking for guarantees that Russia will not return, alongside assurances from the West to deter future Russian aggression. Providing those guarantees will be complex, as it’s uncertain if the West can effectively prevent Russia from regrouping and emerging even stronger.
KARL: It seems that Zelenskyy is open to making real concessions. Anything less than expelling Russia from the occupied territories would be a concession, but it appears he’s prepared to yield some of the territory that Russia has taken and even withdraw from areas currently held by Ukraine to create a demilitarized zone. Is there any indication that Russia is willing to offer any concessions in return?
TURNER: Not based on the actions we witnessed last night. Keep in mind, even on Christmas, when a ceasefire was suggested, Russia declined to agree. They continued their offensive. But — but —
Sourse: abcnews.go.com