Volodymyr Zelenskyy, explained in 8 moments
Zelenskyy's rise in Ukraine, from TV star to president.
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Once known for his political comedy sketches and skits where he pretended to play the piano with his penis, Volodymyr Zelenskyy was elected as the president of Ukraine in 2019 in a landslide victory.
Although he promised that his presidency would be different from other Ukrainian leaders who “promise a lot” yet “do nothing,” President Zelenskyy would soon find himself unpopular with the public. Within two years, he had already navigated scandals like his offshore companies appearing in the Pandora Papers and struggled to fulfill his campaign pledge to end the war against Russia in the Donbas region of Ukraine.
But the Russian invasion on February 24, 2022, found him extremely well-positioned to offer his skills in performance and storytelling to motivate Ukrainians, rally Europe, and undermine Putin’s propaganda. How will his reaction to Russia’s advances affect his legacy?
We chose 8 clips that we feel explain President Zelenskyy’s rise from a comedian to the leader of Ukraine and had journalists and experts respond.
Further reading:
Simon Shuster, reporter at Time Magazine, interviewed in the video above, wrote a profile on President Zelenskyy: time.com/6154139/volodymyr-ze...
For more information on how social media shaped Zelenskyy’s victory in Ukraine, check out this piece by Maryana Drach: reutersinstitute.politics.ox....
Mykhailo Minakov, expert at the Wilson Center, and featured in the video above, wrote an analysis on Zelenskyy’s decline in popularity and the failures of his presidency
www.wilsoncenter.org/blog-pos...
How Zelenskyy downplayed the war in January:
www.politico.com/news/2022/01...
Listen to this episode of Vox's podcast Today, Explained on Zelenskyy: open.spotify.com/episode/05Eq...
Understand Putin’s war on Ukraine, explained here: • Putin's war on Ukraine...
Stay up to date on our reporting of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, here: bit.ly/3sSEJwT
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Volodymyr Zelenskyy brings a performer’s skill to wartime politics. Read the deep dive on Zelenskyy’s career and how he’s using it to wage a public relations war: bit.ly/3IWu0ae
Thanks for the video.
Thanks for the link
@@bnwo well if you want fiction go someplace else
He works for Israel
@@neeleynonea Why should I when Vox is the number one place for it? 😂🐏
Zelensky is the living definition of the meme : "Yep, that's me. You're probably wondering how I got into this situation"
Someone should make a comedy about a comedian that plays a president and does it so well he is actually elected president. Makes me wonder how many comedies are based on real life events that everbody thinks are too absurd to have happened.
@@Jojo66630 exactly
@@Jojo66630 The 70s "music" band, The Monkees, for one.
@@Jojo66630 "Man of the Year" starring Robin Williams.
@@Jojo66630 they should have Volodymyr play the guy
Love that they turned to actual Ukrainians to tell the story of Ukraine, instead of a “Ukraine expert” living in Washington DC
Did you mean garry kasparov ?
Your point stands but there are also Ukraine experts living in Washington DC that are Ukrainian, or Ukrainian-American. Lack of proximity does not delegitimize views. With that said, I also appreciate the fact that they spoke to Ukrainians.
lol youre right
@@allanjoshua6422 What other Ukrainians live in DC? Its Gary only ammirite?
@@spartanparty3894 Fair enough fair enough, and there are certainly Ukraine experts who are not Ukrainian, but still understand it quite well. I certainly did not mean to delegitimize experts or expertise, so your point is well taken. I am simply happy to see the trend of relying more on locals and people on the ground, rather than the armchair generals we were once used to.
Fun Fact: Zelensky’s voter percentage was actually HIGHER in real life than his character’s in the TV show
unfortunately he lied to his people about trying to create better relationships with their big neighbor
@@hopefortheworld5296 But surely you will agree that President Zelensky has a neighbor, Vladimir Putin, who is a very dangerous leader and with whom it is very difficult to relate. Recall that, Vladimir Putin in 2014 decided to invade a territory of Ukraine, Crimea . And after 2014 there was a President who also failed to resolve this issue with Putin, despite trying to do so. The way in which Vladimir Putin is waging war against Ukraine shows that Vladimir Putin is a danger not only for Ukraine but for the whole world. The Russian people deserve a better leader, who can develop Russia, who respects International Laws, and who is respected throughout the world. The Western world has trusted Vladimir Putin, who is not showing himself to be worthy of that trust.
@@hopefortheworld5296 Not his fault, the big neighbor got a bit too cocky
@@hopefortheworld5296 who said he didn't try?
@@hopefortheworld5296 russian bot detected
To give more context -- even though Zelensky's popularity during his term declined, even before the war polls showed he would win over any known competitor in a potential election. So, he was headed for a second term. Ukrainians are very critical of any leadership, and by their standards, Zelensky was "OK". That actually meets the bar given the corrupt establishment he'd be competing against. Also, factor in the COVID pandemic, the crusade which the oligarchs waged back against his government, and Putin's unwillingness to make peace in Donbas. People got bitter over the situation since they expected more from Zelensky's presidency. It's an achievement he was still headed for a second term despite all these obstacles and his own inexperience. I was watching his presidency closely, and he didn't at all become a "different man" during wartime. But he sure got much more room to prove his worthiness in this new context.
thanks for your insight! Слава Україні!
Sincerity always wins hearts!!
He is not perfect, but right now, at least he is not hiding away and doing what he can. But i still hate him because Zelenskyi is nothing better than our previous president Poroshenko, who is an oligarch, and Zelenskyi is runned by Kolomoyskiy who is also an oligarch. Soo...yea
@@user-mt6mz5tp4r debatable. Zelensky had many direct conflicts with Kolomoyskiy, including firing many Kolomoyskiy-aligned MPs from his own party, which cost Zelensky the voting power and summoned a lot of media attacks from Kolomoyskiy-aligned media persona. so, "run by Kolomoyskiy" is inappropriate at the least. I'd say he's fairly anti-oligarchic on the whole, not really favouring any particular oligarch (there are nuances, but on the whole this is the most fair assessment to me)
@@Tarrlych didn't his government in one of last bills actually increased taxes for everyone except the industries Kolomoyskiy had majority? How can you say he's anti oligarch and not dictatorial... lol That's how you start wars and make enemies.
As a Ukrainian, I can say that this is quite detailed research of Zelenskys presidency. At first, we were very dissappointed with him, but now he inspires us to stay and fight
Pray that your nation doesn't end up as glass beads.
You guys have been baited by US and NATO. Besides sending arms and humanitarian aid what else did they do for war? I admire the Ukrainian civilian stand off but Ukraine wrong diplomacy leads to such consequences. Stop this madness, we don't want to see civilians getting killed.
@@tiapongen4390 well said
Prayers from OHIO 💪🏽
@@1ambrose100 so you suggest capitulating to Putin is the answer? To leave under tyranny is worse than death. Why doesn't Putin step down instead?
Zelenskyy is a great example of how unpredictable life can be. 10 years ago, nobody, not even himself, would've believed that he would be doing what he's doing now.
Probably not even 2 months ago
@@hkchan1339 2 months ago he was president and people have been speculating about this invasion for almost a year. 10 years ago he wasn't even in politics yet.
@@MarkArandjus but nobody had confidence he would stay in Ukraine and fight for his country, despite havibg only 30% of popularity by then.
10 years ago nobody had even heard of this man
@@scholaroftheworldalternatehist Most of the world don'teven know him in the recent 2021 Christmas
What's really interesting to me is that not even his outsider political spirit could break through the entrenched corruption in his first two years as president. But I'm really glad he has returned to form to become exactly the leader Ukraine needs in this moment.
i think it would take decades to do the job he aspired to do, unfortunately the soviet mentality is alive in most people over 50, and it won't end until the older generations pass on.
That is the problem western democratic rule. Corruption is an inevitability. We need an alternative
@@connorvanvuuren6455 corruption is not exclusive to democracy.
@@huginug of course
@@connorvanvuuren6455 Corruption is in everything.
Character-redemption arcs are written in movies, books, tv shows, and they are often the most impactful and emotionally moving for me. Zelenskyy's a real-life case of one of these redemption arcs and it's absolutely amazing. A privilege to actually witness in my lifetime, someone putting their money where their mouth is and rising to the challenge when the moment comes.
If you tried to write Pres. Zelenskyy's everybody would say it's too unrealistic.
For a man of his background, he's handled the war better than most people ever expected.
Trump would’ve fled, and Biden would have been confused with what’s going on.
@@Us3r739 his dimentia
And by "he" you mean the US government.
He's a TikTok president
HA!!! A person who knows nothing about warfare. Nothing about politics or foreign interest. Yet, you think he is doing good. You mean he follows his puppeteer's orders perfectly.
The translater crying almost made me cry. You can really tell how desperate he is, and it made me realise that I would probably cry too if it was my country being invaded and my only hope was to convince a panel of unwilling people to save it.
Actually it lacks professionalism
@@ronpaul242 Its hard to be professional when your nation is on fire and people are dying.
....................
@@ronpaul242 hard to be still professional when your dad and mom were killed by Putin's missiles
@@ronpaul242 Ukhinam GAgo bobo
when he started running for president in an interview, he said: "first they will sling mud at me, then they will learn to respect me, and in the end they will cry when I leave." 2019
I hope he won't leave, so no one has to cry. At least he's with his people now.
Будут плакать, поскорей бы ушёл. Ограбил, подставил под войну... Это о нем должны плакать?
@@MsBerry2012 война началась еще до него
@@liliiakysil да, до него. Но он ничего не сделал, чтоб спецоперация не началась. А напротив, и войска не бережет, и мирных жителей оставил в зоне боев. Это же преступление - раздать налево и направо оружие и призывать мирных необученных людей идти против профессиональной армии. А вы как считаете?
@@MsBerry2012 а я считаю преступлением устраивать войну под прикрытием "военной операции" с целью подчинения себе целой нации и уничтожения её культуры. Вы не были в Украине и уж точно не можете знать лучше украинцев о происходящем там. Никаких необученных людей не призывают. Что б вы знали - моего дядю в тероборону просто не взяли, потому что "у нас и так очень много людей, там в одной теробороне куча киборгов, куда вы лезете". Так что не говорите о том чего не знаете.
Zelenskyy knows his flaws, but unlike a certain Afghan President who fled his capital with a suitcase filled with money, Zelenskyy is standing his ground. He is sincere and genuine. He is showing his promise in his speech that anything is possible, that is in fact possible to defend against such a powerful military like Russia's. Like him or not, that is something you have to respect.
Because he is also responsible for what is happening to his country
@@humakhan2529 yes but most politicians would run away he stayed.
@@humakhan2529 obviously but at least he didn't tuck tail and run
@@nathanperoandrei3841 he have to run away because he didn't get support from his so call ally.
@@KJ-kn2rz el bozo.
That circle analogy is so interesting. He became what he himself despised but found himself again when faced with a nation-wide crisis. I think it's times like these that truly show the character of a man. And this is a man of the people.
Or, He's a really good actor...
@@Bahamuttiamat Or he's a bit of both.
@@Bahamuttiamat it takes more than acting to stay in the office while the the worlds #1 terrorist state makes 4 attempts on your life within 10 days and has massive troops like 30km from your office. I was never a fan of Zelensky the comedian or Zelensky the president, but this extreme pressure brought the best out of him.
man got a redemption arc. redemption circle. People talk about doing a 180. this is the actual 360
@@Bahamuttiamat And what? Are the Russian missiles props on a set to you then? The danger he faces staying in Kyiv instead of fleeing is not an act.
Zelenskyy being the same person he was that made him become president, that interpretation is amazing
Same! I got goosebumps when she tied these two clips of him speaking together! 😳
@@maurice8180 I could see that too, but what about the ordinary KZheadrs-turned disinformation actors who could at least see these clips in detail?
@@ROBLOXGamingDavid what exactly do you mean by youtuber-turned disinformation actors?
So...an actor?
@@ROBLOXGamingDavid heh?? 🤨
As a Ukranian, i think the video is quite correct in saying Zelensky was probably not the best president in peace, but he is great in war. At first 2 years I was quite dissapointed in him, but politics wasn't easy on him too, he didn't get our country in the best shape to be honest. But right now he inspires all of us to fight for our country and our people. He is our hero and he became the leader we all so desperatly wanted and needed Все буде Україна! Ми живі і боремося за свою свободу. Тримаємося разом!
If I was Ukrainian, I would join the war for freedom. You guys are lucky to have a leader like zelenskyy
@@Lawlesslarry69 Thank you for your kind words!
Agree with what you're saying. However, you can also make an argument that he was well aware that by keep pushing ukraine in to NATO, Russia will retaliate militarily and it would lead to this conflict
@@MichaelNickolai if you’re in an abusive relationship and they say they’ll beat you harder if you try to leave, it’s still the best option to do everything you can to live somewhere else. And if you then see them stalking you and hiding outside your house, it’s reasonable to want protection from those with more power than you.
@@kaitlyn__L it's a valid metaphor and I respect it, but I don't think it works the same in geo politics... If Cuba says they are going to to join China's or Russias military alianse, that would be a direct threat to US. If Cuba keeps pushing, the US would retaliate. It wouldn't even matter that Cuba is a sovereign nation
I will never forget hearing the EU Parliament translator trying to hold back tears during the speech, a vivid moment in history
Absolutely appreciate the fact you went for a fuller picture. That you've not stopped at meme level of adoring the Zelynsky. While he's at his best right now, and I hope he continue to be, it's worth showing context. Thank you for that.
Given the current state of world leadership Zelensky deserves all that worship
Bot
Copied from Przemek Zdunek.
Yes sometimes I feel like he is being too humble like the other day he brought a chair to a press conference it feels like he is just milking the victim card
@@hamzamahmood9565 no, he really doesn't. He's a shady politician like most.
To be honest, I didnt vote for him at elections, and I was really shocked that he won, so my expectations were extremely low at the beginning. But my acceptance of him was only rising since then. He did right things, he became more mature, competent over his presidency, so when war started... I already knew he was not going to leave. He will lead my country to victory, and me and my descendants will be eternally grateful to him and all the heroes defending Ukraine right now. Slava Ukraini.
Slava Ukraini
Stay safe
Slava Ukraini
Heroyem Slava.
Slava Ukraini.
This analysis that Pres. Zelenskyy came full circle to who he is that made people elect him back in 2019 is very poignant. Goosebumps. I've been watching "Servant of the People" as well and I think his issues in peacetime as president is the real-life version of what his character faced in that show too, and maybe even worse: bureucratic red tapes, corruption, struggle of power against the oligarchs, etc etc. His initial idealism for change was probably eroded over time due to facing them as someone inexperienced in politics. It's very human. War, however, just cut through all those bureucratic and political mess, and becomes a struggle for survival, and Zelenskyy's idealism and initial hope clearly shines here. I'm from Asia and I now hope my own nation will one day be blessed with a leader like him. It's sad that a decent leader like him is very rare nowadays. Hope God will keep him and his country safe and victorious against the invading Russians.
Thank You so much for your support! God bless our countries with moral, independent, decisive leaders that care for the people in the whole world and in our countries
Its a good analysis but it misses his important start. He and his comedy team became famous in post sovjet times in 90s when we were still all one and watching one sowjet comedy show. In it different groups of students from all sowjet Union competed against each other. So he was known to everyone as a funny 18year old, we growing up with their jokes. It was his team who stayed together, started their own show, that became the most popular in ukraine, thematizing many things but mainly critisizing ukrainian and russian politics, at the end they started more comedy programs and became the main stars of show business. It was critics of politics in mind, his popularity from the 90s and the main role in the series that contributed to his Victory and turned that moment into a sensation
Wow! You, guys,forgot completely to tell the story of this guy before becoming “Ukrainian comedian”. He was offered a place in hyper popular Russian comedy club, but he refused to give up on his team buddies. Afterwards he came back to Ukraine and they together created the most known comedy show (95-й квартал) , that started to compete with the Russian one (КВН). Zelenskyy had more shows and hyper popular in the post-Soviet countries series. He has earned super good money and had a great life before he decided to dive into the shitstormy political life. He has a very cool parents, so he grew up in non-abusive, emotionally safe environment.
i didn't know this. thank you for sharing :)
A comedian that became true president while some presidents become true comedians
So very true.
Trump best comedian
If George Carlin were alive today I would vote for him for president! 😜
@@alexnezhynsky9707 Clowns are funny
And they did not turn into a funny comedian
I feel like what this also shows is that the structure of a presidency, the office that a new president steps into, is often already set for failure. To many parties of interest to please, too many useless meetings and bureaucracies, too many opposition and if you're not majorly backed it's hard to make sufficient changes.
Lastly, you have a maniac tearing down on your doorstep, forcing you to loose economy left and right for eight years, in order to keep getting weapons that can defend from the invasion. It is mentally nerve-wrecking that you need to do all things at once, being effectively in a state of emergency from get go vs one of the world's superpower. He tried his best, but it was sort of doomed to fail, with every other interested party highlighting all his failures and not helping to achieve certainly needed goals. But, he did really good, in the end. And if this continues to be like that, we will get a country with politicians we as nation can be proud of.
Totally agreed. But one must not forget the elephant in the room that (in my opinion) shunted change/growth especially nearing closer to the invasion was corruption. Even as recently as this week, a top official (negotiated at the talks during Russia-Ukraine War for peace) was executed for being a Russian spy. The reach of the Russia and corruption I suspect must be quite entrenched in their political lines and inhibited Ukraine greatly.
I watched a program many years ago about the US secret service. The guy said that no matter who makes it at president and how good their intentions are, it all collapses the first day they walk through the Whitehouse door. The reason is that they don't know the workings of the presidency and what is really going on in the world until that first day they walk through the door and they only get told only the information they need to know. They have a presidency that may only last four years but organisations like the CIA etc have been doing it for decades and will continue to do it.
Joe biden supporters should be ashamed, but I guess not
@@briancollins3704 when you’re too focused on joe Biden that you don’t you’re replying under a bot’s reply section 💀
I still remember when my parents used to watch Zelenskyy in his Ukrainian comedy shows. Can’t believe that now he’s become a president, and not only that, he’s also battling a war set on by Russia as he leads his country to victory. Couldn’t be more proud of him and my country ✊🇺🇦 Slava Ukraini
Do you know how corrupt Ukraine has been for decades? Global elite make money through the country
The war was set 2014 by ukrain
My president! 🤍 Didn’t vote for him, but now I’m proud to have him as a leader of my nation in these horrible times! Glory to Ukraine! Glory to Heroes! 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦
💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💛
@@studygram_ glory to man who is hiding his dark side and Ukraine isn't so good as you think...
@@proud_greek223 okk thanks for giving me this information which i totally didn't ask for.
@@studygram_ ok i said that because i want people to know the truth
@@proud_greek223 let Ukrainians decide who is bad or good . How you can even say this you prolly never knew aboutta Ukraine much before war
It’s hard to find leaders who are good at both peacetime and wartime leadership. Usually it is just one or the other. They do require different skill sets and character, after all. Zelenskyy is clearly a wartime leader.
Yeah. His charisma gives people a strong image they can rally around but his political inexperience really showed before the invasion.
How is he a wartime leader? He’s incompetent
@Hernando Malinche Ask Putin why he steals so much from the state? Why is he so corrupt?
@@Itsudemo1 Wrong Question... Ask Putin why he's trying to steal a whole country
@Hernando Malinche if he is corrupt politician then why he declined shelter in other country
It's funny that people blamed him for not stopping the war, like what did they expect? Russia was the aggressor, and they weren't about to stop any time soon
Watching these clips I feel like when Zelenskyy became president, he held on to every hope of AVOIDING the war and that lead to this sort of softer, more 'political' presentation & trying to angle all possible benefits to strengthen Ukraine's position internationally, but once Russia actually invaded he was in a sense given the freedom to just outright fight. No more need to play political games, the dice was up. As he said, "The time for paper is over, this is real life"
He is just so… human. He’s not perfect and he makes mistakes but what shines though is his sincerity. And that makes me want to root for him even more 🇺🇦☮️🙏
Hmmm so he is killing people in Donbass and Lugansk makes me root that he is an evil person hiding in another persona of his acting skills.
Hmm if that's the case all politicians are...human, not perfect, and make mistakes. Stop romanticizing people. Being, just charismatic, rich, and have goodwill. Won't make you being like by everyone. You got to know about politics and laws and negotiation. The only victims here is the people that lost family, a home, and their peace.
Another bot spouts lies
@Nemam Ime How can you say someone is sincere when the truth of what's been happening in Ukraine since 2014 is being ignored. You are either a paid troll/bot or a liar. So where is your common sense!
@Nemam Ime That's your opinion and it means nothing
This was a really good video that showed him objectively, not just "Look at how good he is, he never did anything wrong" I'm glad you showed his low points as well as his high points. I do like him and I hope Ukraine gets the help it needs to fight off Russia's bullying and attacks
There are some of his weaknesses but at least he is quite good, though there is a concern that someday these would be exploited, that's concerning.
He never did anything wrong. The opposition he cracked down on were basically all agents for Russia (the main leader of the opposition, Viktor Medvedchuk, who likely helped fund the Donbas separatists, his daughter has Vladmimir Putin for a godfather) and he was facing increasing covert Russian interference and subversion as Russia stepped up preparation for war.
@@thealmightyaku-4153 sadly, whatever opposition; be it agents sent by the GRU or FSS (Russia's Federal Security Service), Ukraine's far-right individuals or protesters who are against his presidency and whatnot, these would be used as proof to paint Ukraine that it is not a free democratic country... (It's speculation but it is quite hard)
This is not an attack by Russia, but by Putin. Putin is not Russia.
@@NilmoArquen True, the Russian people don’t want this, the Russian army doesn’t want this
A walking evidence of "you never know where life takes you". From a political comedy show to real life decisions and consequences towards the entire country. He really grew over the year though, a lot respect for him being a worthy leader of the nation. Praying for peace all over 🇺🇦
Zel has not sacrificed the ppl of UKARAINE Zelenskyy hasn't accepted money from Biden he is an honest politician
It's interesting how some of the most inspirational candidates (Zelenskyy or Obama for example) tend to lose some of their honesty after becoming president. As if they all are exposed to certain realities of politics that their idealism can't break through. Interesting, especially considering how some of the worst leaders (Putin or Erdogan for example) tend to not budge in their trajectory or their personality. It's as if politics is not made for good men/women. Thanks to Vox for showing this honest portrait of an imperfect leader, who is finding his courage again in time to try to save his people.
that's what i've been thinking a lot too. i believe the political world is not made for good, honest, nice people. however selfish, greedy, dishonest people fit right into the nasty world of politics. i'm disillusioned with politicians in general, and i'm not a member of any party. it seems like all politicians are power-hungry and phony. (maybe they're not all like that, but that's what it looks like to me...) so when i see zelensky, it's surprising and incredible to me. he genuinely has a good, caring heart, and that's just not something i see in politics. i am in awe of him and i desperately wish there were more politicians like him.
The audio of the translator holding back tears is so viscerally powerful, wow. His approval rating now among Ukrainians must be through the roof since he decided to stay and fight with boots on the ground. Almost everyone in his position would've taken the U.S.' offer to flee to safety, but when push comes to shove, he's backing his words with action knowing full well that his life could be placed in jeopardy.
Honestly he's probably the most popular leader in the World right now
@@mikehurt3290 that might not be much of an exaggeration honestly. though more people know putin's name, most of those people hate him and support zelensky
the figures ive seen puts his popularity at high 80s low 90s percent wise.
Can you prove his in Ukraine? What evidence do we have? Please someone?
@@alizcool1 I mean, isn't the videos proof enough? And that he makes more of them?
he has more guts than 99% of all politicians, he's a true patriot and fighter, a man to be proud of! i wish only one of the stale and false politicians of my country had 5% of his courage and bravery.
“I promise to never let you down” he really didn’t and he’s trying his best.
So interesting to hear his background and how he was losing popularity before all this. Most people had never even heard of him 2 week ago yet now he’s one of most respected people in world. Can’t even imagine the horror he and all Ukraine are going through right now. Really hope they get through this.
Oh we definitely Heard of him as the guy trump tried to use against Biden and got himself impeached as a result.
@@sdoken please learn Ukrainian history so you could understand why they do what they do. Ukraine citizens wouldn't want to give up no matter who the president was.
He was losing starting from 70% tho😆This is like this thing about people like Zuckerberg "he was a dropout too", yeah but from Harvard 😂 So he probably still had more than other politicians will ever have 😃
Its a strong analysis, only they missed his start and the role of his team. They became famous in 90s in postsoviet times, when we were still all united, watching the same Comedy show. There he and his university team competed against other comedy teams from Russia, Kazachstan etc. He became and remained famous in whole Sowjetunion, everyone new him as a 18year old fun student. We were growing up with their jokes. It was his team who stayed together, started their own show, that became the most popular in ukraine, thematizing many things but mainly critisizing ukrainian and russian politics, at the end they started more comedy programs and became the main stars of show business. It was tiredness of old politicians( also influenced through them), his popularity from the 90s and the main role in the series that contributed to his Victory and turned that moment into a Sensation
"To post-Soviet countries, look at us." Yeah, Putin definitely didn't like that. Pettiest grudge in recent history.
True, But he didnt need to poke the grudge tho. Why try to be hateful and provoke a great power?
It’s all collusion you dope
@@albinpaul3429 it is controlled by america
For a man, who wasn't of noble, nor particulary rich birth and spent much of his life just entertaining the others... I can't find proper words....he is simply beyond of what I ever expected any man to be capable of in his life.
Praying for Ukraine from Australia..May this terrible attack on your Country end soon
‘Servant of the People’ sounds like ‘Yes Minister’ but in Ukraine with a teacher. That’s a common sentiment across the board.
Eh not really. Mr Holoborodko, Zelensky's character on Servant of the People, is someone who's genuinely incorruptible and cares about the people most of all, while Jim Hacker ultimately cares more about political games than helping the people.
or Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, for a more American take
@@rezajafari6395 I suppose that’s a major difference in tone.
I'm on Episode 6. He wrote and starred in the series, and I think it inspired him to be the President he is - smart, honest, a strong leader, and genuinely caring about his country. I have great admiration for him and pray he and Putin can resolve the issues with no further war or deaths.
@@rezajafari6395 No, I think Jim Hacker genuinely cared about doing real good - that's certainly the case in the pilot episode - but he was very vain and PR-minded, & naive about how easy politics is, & very quickly got dragged down by the political machine which blocked and thwarted his efforts at every turn.
I really like how the video also shows his flaws, while other networks show him like he is a perfect human
People want to see him as perfect because people and the media want heroes.
What other networks that dove into his history ever just show him as a perfect human? Don't confuse current event coverage with misrepresenting his background. When you're his covering the current news, you don't always get into a biography of the person every time their name comes up...
@@andybaldman you can be a hero and flawed.
@@connectingthedots100 In this case the flaw will be being dead.
@@andybaldman They want heroic martyrs so they can sell a story. Rather than facts and reality of the situation.
He's living the life based off a script he once made a show out of. Imagine that!
his career until now will put him into the history books forever. hopefully others will take notice of what people want from their leaders
Zelynsky is the proof that being a morally good person, willing to sacrifice their life for the country, is not enough to escape the corruption of political systems.
That is good insight. It takes more than one person willing to sacrifice self-interest to improve and maintain even balanced systems. When a generation refuses to burden this responsibility they invite self-sustaining corruption. See previous U.S president.
@@dangerfly Trumpy was great. The greatest POTUS ever existed in history of US.
@@dangerfly See previous president? Mate you should look at what kind of pair of crippled old bones the US has right now as president.
@@lol311 *George Washington, and Abraham Lincoln have entered the chat*
@@dangerfly What you said kinda explains why he tried to gain more power into his presidency. So that he would have more power to decide instead of the ones who are corrupted and he can not change them.
I have never seen a leader this dedicated, devoted and caring about his country and everyone who lives there no matter if they voted for him or not. When he wins this war against Russia, he should be given the highest award possible for his devotion. I do wish he was my leader.
By "his country", you mean Israel, right? Or the US? Well, let's be honest, they're the same country, right 🤣🤣🤣🤣
"everyone who lives there" sadly the western media makes no mention of the oppressed minorities in Ukraine. While the current events are vastly more important compared to such issues, Zelenskyy is far from perfect.
@@anotheranon3118 I'm Jewish dude.
@@anotheranon3118 How can one be an anti semite when he is a semite
Naive to a whole new level 😂
A comedian becomes a war leader. I don't think I've seen that.
these days, evth is possible...
We couldn't love and respect this man more - love from the USA. Slava Ukraini.
Like any human, Zelenskyy is flawed, but he now seems to have found his purpose.
I concur 👍🏻
Like most hero’s of any movie or book
How easy you are on a hi-responsible man.
"Prove that you will not leave us behind" Made me cry I'm not even Ukrainian
Same here
@Rejector he didn't 🤦♀️
Basic , actor can let people cry
@Rejector ok Russian bot
@@kaltenzahn he did...
Zelensky is a real leader in our times. I wish other presidents can learn from him. As a leader you need to be humble and fight for your people and fight for what is right.
Zel has not sacrificed the ppl of UKARAINE Zelenskyy hasn't accepted money from Biden he is an honest politician
So real he's doing Vogue' photoshoot 😂
The late Comrade Hugo Chavez also had his own show called Aló Presidente which lasted from 1999 to 2012. He spent an average of 40 hours a week promoting his policies on the show. It started as a call-in show where Venezuelans could call and express their grievances to him. One of the most infamous episodes was when he ordered battalions to Colombia which led to the Andean diplomatic crisis. This show was a HUGE tool in influencing the population with his Chavismo ideals, and it was very popular for those who felt they finally had a direct contact with a presidency after years of being ignored by the previous presidencies.
Thank you kim 🙏
Yo, what up brother?
Chavez was a murderer and a dictator. thank goodness he is gone.
"I promise I will never let you down." He's certainly lived up to that promise, and then some. 💙💛
all his peactime issues were probably because he couldn't deal with the bureaucracy and red tape that comes with him taking the office. In war there is no red tape, no bureaucracy , nothing just survival with hints of revenge.
@Rejector No, he's still in Kyiv
yeah, he was such great president that russia couldnt stand it right.... ehm ehm... we all know whats happening here..
Funny, VOX forgot to mention that President Zelenskyy has a Law Degree.
Isn't it Economics?
@@overlordjay9807 Close. He obtained a degree in law from the Kyiv National Economic University
Though he never worked in that field. He rose to popularity when he did well in KVN, which is a competition between university comedy clubs, and after graduation he just went directly into showbiz.
Education isn't everything. At my work, I have coworkers with law degrees from private liberal arts colleges who perform just as well, if not better, to those with degrees from Harvard. Content of character and experience are more important in candidacy.
@@josiahbartlet7840 Yes but it assures you that somehow it provides someone a base level of competency
This just makes me love him even more. What a nice, genuine and courageous guy. He is an inspiration
Our president the best, I'm so proud of my nation. Stand up for Ukraine 🇺🇦 Glory our defences!
Very interesting and balanced view. As a Romanian, the culture(especially surrounding politics and the state apparatus in general) is very similar and a result of largely the same factors(decades of communism, history, the area, etc) so this to me makes perfect sense. In the end, Zelenskyy is a person too, he's not perfect, he's also the product of his time and environment and vulnerable to falling into the traps of East European politics. Corruption in Ukraine and in this entire region is at a scale people in the West can't really imagine, it's everywhere, at every level and takes on so many forms, it's very hard to counter because every corner of the state apparatus is eaten up by it, by the nepotism, the ineptitude, it's a culture in itself and one man, even with good intentions, always risks being dragged into it. I've personally always thought Zelenskyy has a good foundation, a good heart, overall good intentions but was getting a bit lost and influenced by the world he entered as a President. This role now suits him, this isn't about internal day to day politics but about a very human situation where he has to be a leader in a different way, a way that takes him back to his roots, his human qualities and abilities. Hopefully Ukraine can hold on for long enough to not have to compromise too much, certainly not to the demands Putin has now, and he can remain in charge and stay grounded this time ,not let it go to his head and not fall back into those bad influences because I believe he has shown he can in fact be a good, inspiring leader who cares about his nation and is able to make himself respected and listened to even outside the country, the qualities are all there.
Well said 👏
Exactly so amassing wealth offshore is no big deal he is the product of his environment ? How exactly is he different than his predecessors ?
@@PankajDoharey Zelensky’s role as Ukrainian president earns him only 28,000 Hryvnias annually or just $930 per month. You should know he earned a lot of money with his comedy shows. He was not only an actor but also a producer, scriptwriter so there is money from those too. Learn where the money comes from not assume that everyone who has it has made it illegally. Besides during the war in Donbas Zelensky's Kvartal 95 (his company) had donated 1 million hryvnias to the Ukrainian army and stopped his shows in Russia. So there is that.
Corruption is in the west as much as the east. who do you think is paying him to stay in Ukraine? He is responsible for leading Ukraine to war.
@@PankajDoharey dude was rich before becoming the president. You have no idea how popular Zelensky was and it shows.
It takes infinitely more amounts of courage and fortitude to be a wartime president, vs a peacetime president. Irregardless of his previous failures, long may Zelensky be remembered as the man that united Ukrainians, and the man that united the world.
Irregardless all those people that apparently died in the coup that has culminated with him in power? Well, say this for their families
It takes not that much courage to be a wartime president/leader of bigger/better army. Just look at Putin and US presidents of last 30 years. But it does take alot of courage to be a president/leader when you can be killed in a cruise missile strike while hunkered down in Kyiv.
Irregardless is not a word. If it was, it would have to mean the opposite of regardless, but people use it to mean regardless.
@@Acidfunkish I no, that's why I repeated it, u no, sarcasm and sh**
Hey Pedro Russian bot, why blame this on Zelensky and not on Putin? Putin is the only one killing Ukranians right now.
I'm proud to witness in my lifetime a leader of a nation and his people fight for their country, for freedom, for mankind. Salute to Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Ukrainians! Greetings from the Philippines whose national heroes fought too without a flinch. Mabuhay ang bansang Ukraine!
Sometimes a country gets a leader who is suited to lead during times of war better than times of peace. Zelenskyy is to Ukraine what Churchill was to the United Kingdom. Both rallied the whole country across the political divide to fight for their country in times of war, but were unpopular in times of peace.
So proud to be Ukrainian 🇺🇦 Long live Mr.President. You’re an inspiration for your nation!
Slava Ukraine
Slava Ukraini 🕊️🇮🇳🇷🇺🇺🇦🕊️
If he had made clear that Ukraine would not Join Nato this war was not happening. He is one of The responsible for this war and for people dying. Now he is calling civilians to fight agaisnt Russia and making It seems that this is heroic, is not, its a tragedy, innocent people are dying because zelenski allowed this situatuon to happen.
@@romarinho14thabalala76 its almost as though the people should have a right to choose whether or not they want to be allied with russia.
@@romarinho14thabalala76 Shut you bird-
I'm Ukrainian and I don't know why but I watched the whole thing. Thank you Vox💙💛
same here
Yeah
Did you learn anything?
@@andybaldman they probably feel inspired now
@@spicybeak69 Героям слава!
The guy gives the feeling of "hey everything is gonna be ok dont worry ill guide you out but i also need you all of you" i think hes more of a wartime president then a peacetime president and i think this war will shape him into A true leader unlike other politicians A comidian who became a leader And leaders who became comidians
2:24 and he still stands by it.. a true leader.. something the other leaders could learn from.
Zel has not sacrificed the ppl of UKARAINE Zelenskyy hasn't accepted money from Biden he is an honest politician
War shows a leader's true priorities. It did with Churchill, it did with Lincoln, it certainly did with Hitler. I think Vox did an amazing job of showing a broader picture of Zelensky than most people outside Ukraine generally see, and I think it confirms further in my mind that he is the right leader for this crisis.
Do you know anything abt history? Churchill was a terrorist.
@@abee4447 reread the comment
@@gaswe9236 Hero to the British Isles, Terrorist to Indian subcontinent. Churchill led the British during WW2, but Churchill's policies also contributed to the Bengal famine of 1943. Shows that one should always see both the good and bad because humans are inherently flawed.
@@abee4447 Gaswe is right, reread the comment, he's not trying to list "good" leaders here since Hitler is in the lineup that he mentioned. He's talking about leaders in general.
@@abee4447 You owe your freedom to Churchill.
Seems like a guy who genuinely desired change but was out of his depths trying to make that happen. Putin absolutely capitalised on Zelenskyy's inexperience. It's fortunate that he's got the hallmarks of a brave leader in a time of war and is pulling through now. He united the west and ensured Ukraine wasn't swept away overnight. That's going to have a lasting impact on Putin's entire operation.
ONE THING NOONE CAN TAKE FROM THIS PRESIDENT IS HE STAYED NEAR AND WITH HIS PEOPLE 👋 OTHERS WOULD HAVE LEFT YESTERDAY AND BE SAFELY IN ANOTHER COUNTRY. SLAVA UKRAINI 🌻🙏🙏🌻
Zel has not sacrificed the ppl of UKARAINE Zelenskyy hasn't accepted money from Biden he is an honest politician
Zelenskyy: a comedian who became a President. Putin: a President who became a joke.
You’re the joke. If you saw evidence, you’d see how Ukraine is shelling people in Eastern Ukraine, Russia is aiding the people in their occupied areas, evidence of aftereffects of drugs on Zelenskyy and false claims that Ukrainian soldiers don’t surrender and that they take no casualties. Have you heard of Kherson, the city in Ukraine? They said that their arguculture was destroyed and they weren’t allowed to speak their mothertongue Russian because the Kiev Regime banned it and didn’t value the region at all, they basically treated them like trash for speaking Russian. They have a vote to join the Russian Federation. Ukraine is the bad guy, and you need to wake up instead of hating on people that have a brain and calling them all Russians.
That’s an early statement
@@AlxzAlec Putin: a President who became a joke.
@@sabn9139 Putin is a joke. A botoxed old man at a loooong table with his ministers 10 feet away. He's like a comic book villain, almost!
I may be wrong about this, and if i am please feel free to correct me, but i think Zelenskyy as a leader is clearly more comfortable while addressing his people than he is with press. I think he might consider himself a fish out of water, but he knows what he wants, which is to bring peace and happiness to his fellow citizens. This is why I think he made full circle with the video he made addressing the people. He was being his honest self, not being forced into a desired form of a serious leader, but a man who knows what needs to be done, and does it with his head held high.
In the time of peril , his true character and sheer grit showed us his true values . Glory to Ukraine . Glory to the Hero’s
@@Rainadescartes agree yes
@@Rainadescartes He took money from the people. That's no hero
@@happyface9000 I find these allegations hard to believe , but even if it is true I don’t see him as hero in its entirety. But one must give credit where it’s due . He has held his never and didn’t panic. He is most endangered man in the world right now and it doesn’t bother him . He is hold together Ukraine
@@Rainadescartes From the recent postings, it would appear that status is held by Putin.
“one of them would make war rather than let the nation survive; and the other would accept war rather than let it perish”
ZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzz...... NATO should get the f out of russian borders and there will be no wars.
@@saimbhat6243 except NATO is not in Russian borders. I mean yeah NATO pushing towards Russia’s border countries are a big reason for the war but Ukraine is not Russia
@@Chantal-612 - Russia is boarding 14 countries, 5 of which belong to NATO alliance, Norway, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland, most of which joined fairly recently
@@saimbhat6243 it’s a land grab for Black Sea trade route, potential oil and the wheat farms which is 10% globally masked as a defensive and liberating fight.
@@saimbhat6243 Russia’s past is they like to invade countries, regardless of NATO. They invaded Japan, they invaded Georgia, and they invaded Finland. Even when NATO wasn’t even that close to them. The reason NATO exists is to help protect the smaller countries from big bully Russia. NATO is a defense pact. Russia doesn’t need to be scared of NATO if it behaves itself. So stop sticking up for the corrupt Russian regime. You are falling for their lies. You can see just how evil they are by killing innocent civilians. There is no excuse for that!!!
Can we all STOP FOR A SECOND AND APPRECIATE THE FACT THAT IN THAT HIT SERIES “ PUBLIC SERVANT” his character was 1) President of the Ukraine. 2) He managed to map out his values and his whole agenda in a movie!!!! He made a movie about his future presidency and BECAME THE REAL ONE LATER ON. The guy is a GENIUS
it's not a movie it's a tv show! (you can find it on youtube)
Zel has not sacrificed the ppl of UKARAINE Zelenskyy hasn't accepted money from Biden he is an honest politician
I had a very real dream last night. And In it I met Zelenskyy, I could feel his emotion his presence his struggle and most of all his words of which he had few. He spoke to me in English, his emotion was distraught as we gained knowledge of each other. We were then shelled, I was given a Kalashnikov and I did my best to stand by him to support, we then got split up, he went left, I went right. I remember being in awe as I sat beside him in disbelief as if the moment truly happened. The weird thing is, I was playing call of duty mw3 in a bunker of his when we met. It felt so real that when I awoke I could still feel the emotion I had for him, hoping he was going to get where he needed to be safely. As for me the dream faded as the snow blew in right after our teams separated. I don’t know much about dreams but his face was so real. I’m not sure how else to describe it it felt like he was really there even if I knew I was dreaming. Maybe he knew I was dreaming or maybe it’s the niquill or the fact that I’ve had a strong nasal infection over the past week. But this felt different than any dream I’ve ever had. I stand with Vladimir Zelenskyy and the rest of Ukraine. Be strong, fight hard, do not give up. Ukraine stand firm 🇺🇦!!!
This guy just gets better and better every time I learn more about him "I need ammunition, not a ride"
Yes many currupt leaders in the world could learn from him, but of cause he has his strength and weaknesses like every man.
All drama
As an Ukrainian I'm shocked how accurate this is, good job
I didn't know you were Ukrainian
Zelensky is a man amongst men. Foreign or not, I'd vote for him in the usa.
Whether it's the Trojan War, the Battle of Thermopylae, or the Last Stand at the Alamo, many of the famous battles in history were sieges in which small forces took on much larger armies. Unfortunately, sieges don't make good stories because the smaller force won. They make the history books because the little guys fought well... Before they died. Ukraine’s fate is set unless our governments back them up. And we are the ones who can push our governments to do so. Let’s unite together and say do-svidaniya to Putin !
That is true, we should all try to support Ukraine and Ukranians, either by spreading information about this, or financially by sending them money. People are doing that by booking Ukranian airbnbs so that these displaced people get the money. Or by hosting Ukranian families if you have a room or a home to spare. Anything helps!
@@richardparker3705 I don't think you understood the comment. Nice thoughts though.
Boris Johnson would have left the country through the back door 😂
In a fridge!
I thought that was a work meeting not a war
@@IloveElsaofArendelle :-D :-D :-D
“It appears to me that old politicians live by a simple principle: ‘Don’t ask anybody anything. Promise a lot. Do nothing.’ I’ll do it the other way around.” - Volodymyr Zelenskyy
THAT's exactly what he did.
I left dnipro on 5th of March and today the attack finally happened with full force. I lived in ukraine for 6 years and came to love it like my own home and now I feel so guilty and sad for leaving. I hope the suffering of the people come to an end.
I like him, seems genuinely decent to me.
This is my president. Never before have I been so loyal. I'm proud of him.
@Rejector no, stay at Kyiv
@Rejector we don't have him here, sorry!
@Rejector where was your source from? the russian media?
@Rejector you used russian media lol
@Rejector He said “what is your source from? Russian media?”
"I Promise I will never let you down" This single quote he has proven with his actions. He continues to fight for the Freedom of Ukraine and is doing so from his homeland. Choosing to not evacuate for a City that could be under siege (unsure of its current state) Respect. None the less. I do like seeing a more nuanced and neutral video explaining his history. As an American I only know so much mostly being from the start of the conflict onward.
Too bad he gave all his money to someone who isn't protecting him.
I have gone back in the historical record and am reading up on the 2014 Ukraine situation so as to educate myself on the lead-up to the current crisis.
Zelenskyy has redeemed him self, that's why people loved him. Because in the moment of truth we all want to be best human being we can be.
I`m from Ukraine, and I can confirm this videos shows situation in our country pretty accurately
I am from Ukraine and here is the list of comments on this video Between two points when Zelenskyy become a president and war started he started to build and repair our country. He started a company called - "Big building" We had bad roads, schools, hospitals, bridges, squares in cities Before 24 of November, we were on the way to the fulfillment of plans. We have much better roads, hospitals, the cities themselves managed their budgets and did not give everything to Kyiv, we using electronic passports, driver licenses, and more features that work with smartphones + the tax system began to control and fill the treasury of the country But then the old unprogressive angry man started killing us
What was the reason for Zelensky not fulfilling the Minsk agreement and avoiding the invasion of Ukraine by Putin, surely Zelensky could have avoided this? Why did he pick a fight with Putin that is now destroying the good that you mention?
what your opinion on Zelenskyy choice? is it good to prolong the war with Russia and side with NATO or Europe nations?
@@elmo319 I think Zelenskyy choose to join NATO for peace option and that's the reason why Russia invade Ukraine to prevent NATO intervention
@@tomharyono5648 Yes, but the reason why such countries as Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia joined NATO is the constant aggressive politics from Russia If Russia had not behaved this way, perhaps neighboring countries would not really need to join this military alliance
It is quite infuriating that all of that effort is washed away and the country is probably pushed back decades provided it doesnt become a russian satellite state with a pro russian dictator like Belarus.
Interesting. So the war essentially lifted some of the political pressures from his shoulders and he could focus on being a people-leader rather than a politician.
Loved this video. I was always interested in learning more about Zelenskyy from his ups and downs. I think this video did a pretty good job of doing that. 🇺🇦❤😇
Our President Zelenskiy is the best president ever in the world. He is really the leader of nation, he is a hero. We are proud of him. He is the first President in Ukraine who is honest, sincere, courageous and making everything for his people. God bless him 💛💙
Thats your childish view on this, yes. Doesnt mean we Adults have to beie vthis though: we judge him on his actual Merits, his Corruption, his Mismanagment of Resources beore and during the War, and much more.
This man will be in history books as a true leader
Yesssssss😭😭
He is the coolest guy. I never knew about him until now. I am so intrigued by him.
Pray for Ukraine 🇺🇦 this is turning into a world war….as crisis keeps rising a lot a lives and savings would be lost it’s a best time to secure your saving for the future through digital currency like bitcoin
Stocks are good but crypto is more profitable. Not to be compared.
oops that's a huge lost.
Seriously you work with him too? I just got engaged with him days ago I knew him from a friend of mine after I saw my friend's profit with Mr Dave which is about $13,000USD I won't deny I was kinda jealous his profit motivated me to give a try...
@Shawn H. Farris This is good news. Please how do I reach your broker.
@Shawn H. Farris This is really helpful to me thanks so much
Can I just say, a 73% majority vote in a legitimate government is insanely impressive no matter how charismatic you are.
In Ukraine it works that you first have the general election where all parties are present and then for the presidency you have only the two party who come on top in the general to vote for. For this reason he was able to win that staggering support
@@davide539 Ah, thanks for explaining it. That does make it a lot less impressive...
Reminds me of Churchill in the sense he was considered a popular wartime politician but not a peacetime one. He shone in a certain situation but got kicked out in 1945.
Thank you very much Americans for your support, I will not find such words to explain how cool you are for helping us, Thank you very much!!!❤❤❤❤
Thank you for creating this amazing video for those of us who have not really followed the political situation in Ukraine.
It'll be interesting to see how he's remembered in history. I wonder if he will be like a Churchill figure who led his nation through a truly tough time but was quite unpopular in the following (or in Zelenskyy's case prior) peace.
Provided he and Ukraine both survive this war, his next major challenge may be to resist the opportunity to claim absolute power, and voluntarily relinquish his office once his inevitable second term concludes. I hope he rises to that challenge as well.
If he gets killed in this war... wouldn't it be a passibility of him being viewed as a martyr?🤷♀️
@@djdrocco does the Ukraine constitution call for term limits?
Churchill was quite unpopular prior to WWII as well. His popularity is exclusively as a wartime leader in WWII.
@@djdrocco i only know about (kind of sort of)russia and USA who has these terms.
He reminds me a lot of Winston Churchhill. Not popular during times of peace but incredible during a crisis. Even the staying in the country and demonstrating he wasn’t afraid was important to him too. Not to mention they both give incredibly moving speeches. I hope everyone there is safe and that peace will come soon 💜
Thank you Zelinsky for being amazing. The average man making a difference.
The definition of a Hero.
Haha, no. Stop wearing you goggles for a moment and you realize that theres lots of problems with this guy.
Everyone has their problems.
He is a proven corrupt crook who has robbed his people
Man I really have such a big respect for him even more now wow. To not run away when is the number one targeted is just awe dropping. Ukraine is so strong!
a man became president who has zero experience at governing. such a man is a plaything in other men's hands.
Zelensky is one of the coolest president’s out there for sure. I can see that he definitely has a good heart and cares for the people and his country.