Volodymyr Zelenskyy was never destined to be president.
From 1997 to 2019, Volodymyr Zelenskyy worked, and thrived, in the creative industry. He was a successful actor and comedian, who won more than 30 National television awards of Ukraine, and created his own production company.
But, in 2019, when Zelenskyy ran for president against Petro Poroshenko, the future of Ukraine changed forever.
After an eye-opening debate between the two candidates in running, Zelenskyy had already made it clear that he was a man of the people, when he knelt, in front of thousands, for those who had lost loved ones in the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy then went on to win the presidential election by a landslide victory of 73% and was officially named president on the 21st of April 2019.
Despite Zelenskyy having no experience in politics beforehand, the people of Ukraine were almost certain that he was the correct choice.
How did Zelenskyy so easily win the hearts and support of so many Ukrainians?
Through his humanity.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy is continuously displaying his humanitarian leadership, and providing an alternate, more social approach to his presidency.
On the 25th of February 2022, he posted a selfie-style video of himself, assuring his citizens that he remained in Kyiv, the epicentre of the bombings, appealing to the people in an unprofessional way, but receiving mass support and respect for remaining in his country.
Zelenskyy continues to fight for his country’s freedom and does not resign at any difficulties thrown at him by Putin.
He provides solutions: the ammunition he provided to those willing to fight and creating an international image that gains him aid from all over the world.
Some argue that Zelenskyy is still too naïve to understand the ethics and ways of war, his comedic background making them question his ability to be stern and govern well.
But Volodymyr Zelenskyy repeatedly proves them wrong: he provides representation through the way he dresses, unity through the way he speaks, and strength through the way he empowers the people.
Zelenskyy has created a relationship with his citizens that was fueled by his background, developing the Ukrainian community so that it has held up against a country 2,733% larger for nearly 3 years.
Although, we must question Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s ability to push his country through the war. Is he capable of leading Ukraine to peace, or will he crumble under the pressure of Vladimir Putin?
