Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy (born January 25, 1978) is a Ukrainian politician and former entertainer who has served as Ukraine’s sixth and current president since 2019. His tenure has been largely defined by the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022.

6th President of Ukraine
Assumed office 20 May 2019
Prime Minister	Volodymyr Groysman Oleksiy Honcharuk Denys Shmyhal
Preceded by	Petro Poroshenko
Personal details
Born	25 January 1978 (age 47) Krivoy Rog, Soviet Union (now Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine)
Political party	Independent
Other political affiliations	Servant of the People (2018–present)
Spouse	Olena Kyiashko ​ (m. 2003)​
Children	2
Parents	Oleksandr Zelenskyy (father) Rymma Zelenska (mother)
Residence	Mariinskyi Palace
Alma mater	Kryvyi Rih Institute of Economics (LLB)
Website	president.gov.ua/en

Born into a Ukrainian Jewish family, Zelenskyy was raised as a native Russian speaker in Kryvyi Rih, a major city in central Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Although he earned a law degree from the Kryvyi Rih Institute of Economics, he never practiced law and instead pursued a career in comedy and entertainment. He founded the production company Kvartal 95, which created numerous films, cartoons, and television programs, including the hit TV series Servant of the People, where he portrayed a fictional Ukrainian president. The show aired from 2015 to 2019 and gained widespread popularity, leading to the formation of a political party under the same name in March 2018 by Kvartal 95 employees.

On December 31, 2018, Zelenskyy announced his candidacy for the 2019 presidential election during a televised New Year’s Eve address, coinciding with then-President Petro Poroshenko’s speech on the channel 1+1. Despite having no political experience, he had already emerged as a frontrunner in opinion polls before officially entering the race. He won the election by a landslide, securing 73.23% of the vote in the second round and defeating Poroshenko in the most decisive victory in Ukraine’s presidential history.

As president, Zelenskyy positioned himself as an anti-establishment and anti-corruption leader. He has advocated for digital governance and national unity between Ukrainian- and Russian-speaking communities. His administration secured a major victory in the snap legislative elections held shortly after his inauguration. In his first two years, he oversaw key reforms, including lifting parliamentary immunity, managing Ukraine’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and making modest progress in combating corruption. A May 2021 poll by the Rating Group ranked him as the most trusted Ukrainian president and the second-best after Leonid Kuchma.

During his campaign, Zelenskyy pledged to resolve Ukraine’s long-standing conflict with Russia and sought dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, tensions escalated in 2021, ultimately leading to Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. In the months leading up to the war, he aimed to reassure both the Ukrainian public and the international community, downplaying the risk of conflict while simultaneously seeking security guarantees and military aid from NATO.

When the invasion began, Zelenskyy refused offers of evacuation and remained in Kyiv. He imposed martial law, ordered a full mobilization of the armed forces, and became a central figure in rallying global support for Ukraine. His wartime leadership earned him international recognition, including being named Time magazine’s Person of the Year in 2022. He frequently visits frontlines and liberated territories, and his military-style attire has become a symbol of his role as a wartime leader.

Originally, his presidency was set to end in May 2024, but the ongoing war and martial law have prevented elections from taking place. As a result, he is expected to remain in office for the duration of the conflict, making him Ukraine’s second-longest-serving president after Leonid Kuchma.

Early Life

Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy was born on January 25, 1978, in Kryvyi Rih, which was then part of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic. He was born into a Jewish family; his father, Oleksandr Zelenskyy, is a professor and head of the Department of Cybernetics and Computing Hardware at Kryvyi Rih State University of Economics and Technology, while his mother, Rymma Zelenska, is a retired engineer. His grandfather, Semyon Zelenskyy, served as a colonel in the Red Army during World War II, while Semyon's father and three brothers perished in the Holocaust. In March 2022, Zelenskyy revealed that his great-grandparents were killed when German troops burned their home during a massacre. His grandmother survived the war after being evacuated to Almaty, Kazakhstan, before returning to Ukraine.

During his early years, Zelenskyy spent four years in Erdenet, Mongolia, where his father worked as a mining engineer. Russian was his first language. At 16, he passed the TOEFL and received an educational grant to study in Israel, but his father did not allow him to go. He later obtained a law degree from the Kryvyi Rih Institute of Economics, which was then part of Kyiv National Economic University, but never pursued a legal career.

Entertainment Career

At 17, Zelenskyy joined a local team in the KVN comedy competition and was soon invited to the Ukrainian team "Zaporizhzhia-Kryvyi Rih-Transit," which won KVN’s Major League in 1997. That same year, he founded Kvartal 95, a comedy troupe that later became a production company. Kvartal 95 performed in Ukraine's highest comedy leagues and frequently toured post-Soviet countries. The company produced TV shows for the Ukrainian channels 1+1 and Inter.

Zelenskyy made his film debut in Love in the Big City (2008) and reprised his role in its sequels. He starred in other movies such as Office Romance. Our Time (2011), Rzhevsky Versus Napoleon (2012), and 8 First Dates (2012), with sequels in 2015 and 2016. He also provided the Ukrainian voice for Paddington Bear in Paddington (2014) and Paddington 2 (2017).

Between 2010 and 2012, Zelenskyy served on the board and was general producer of the TV channel Inter. He later revealed that then-President Viktor Yanukovych had offered him $100 million to influence Kvartal 95’s content for political purposes, but he refused.

In 2015, Zelenskyy starred in the TV series Servant of the People, where he played a schoolteacher who unexpectedly becomes Ukraine’s president. The show became highly popular, and in 2018, a political party of the same name was registered by his production team.

2019 Presidential Campaign

In March 2018, Zelenskyy’s team formally registered the Servant of the People political party. Despite initially denying any political ambitions, speculation about his candidacy grew. By October 2018, polls already showed him as a frontrunner.

On December 31, 2018, he announced his presidential candidacy on TV channel 1+1, coinciding with then-President Petro Poroshenko’s New Year’s Eve address. His campaign was primarily conducted through social media and stand-up comedy performances instead of traditional political rallies. He largely avoided mainstream media and interviews, leading 20 Ukrainian news outlets to call on him to engage more with journalists.

Zelenskyy ran on an anti-establishment and anti-corruption platform, aiming to restore public trust in government. He avoided detailed policy positions, focusing instead on transparency and integrity in politics. His campaign drew comparisons to populist movements, but analysts noted his inclusive approach to governance.

There were concerns about his ties to oligarch Ihor Kolomoyskyi, whose media company aired Servant of the People. Poroshenko and his supporters claimed that a Zelenskyy presidency would benefit Russia.

During the final presidential debate at Olimpiyskiy Stadium on April 19, 2019, Zelenskyy criticized Poroshenko, stating that he had voted for him in 2014 but was ultimately disappointed. Initially, Zelenskyy said he would serve only one term, but in May 2021, he suggested he might seek re-election.

He pledged to develop Ukraine’s economy by reforming the judiciary, attracting investment, and introducing a 5% flat tax for large businesses, which could be adjusted based on consultations. He emphasized that his administration’s honesty would encourage tax compliance.

Zelenskyy won the first round of elections on March 31, 2019, securing 30% of the vote. In the runoff on April 21, he defeated Poroshenko with 73% of the vote—the largest margin in Ukrainian history.

World leaders, including Poland’s Andrzej Duda, France’s Emmanuel Macron, U.S. President Donald Trump, and European Union officials, congratulated him on his victory. His presidency marked a significant political shift in Ukraine, as he transitioned from a comedian to the nation’s leader.

Summary of Zelenskyy's Presidency (2019–2021)

Inauguration & Early Actions

• Sworn in on 20 May 2019, attended by foreign dignitaries.
• Dissolved Parliament, calling for early elections.
• Restored Ukrainian citizenship to former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili.

Electoral & Political Reforms

• Failed attempt to change the electoral system to proportional representation.
• Parliament refused to include his anti-corruption bill but later passed a similar one.
• Succeeded in stripping lawmakers of legal immunity in September 2019.

Governance & Key Appointments

• Appointed Andriy Bohdan, a former lawyer for oligarch Ihor Kolomoyskyi, as his chief of staff (later replaced by Andriy Yermak).
• Dismissed 20 governors of Ukraine’s 24 regions.
• Servant of the People Party won a historic majority in the 2019 parliamentary elections.

Prime Minister Changes

• Oleksiy Honcharuk appointed as PM (July 2019).
• Replaced by Denys Shmyhal in March 2020 after an audio leak of Honcharuk criticizing Zelenskyy’s economic management.

Media & Oligarch Reforms

• Proposed media law reforms to reduce oligarch influence but faced criticism over censorship concerns.
• Passed a bill in 2021 creating an oligarch registry to limit their political influence.

Foreign Policy & War in Donbas

• Attempted peace talks with Russia, including direct talks with Putin and agreements under the Normandy Format.
• Proposed a peace deal allowing elections in Donbas in exchange for Russian troop withdrawal, but it failed.
• Signed Decree 117/2021, a strategy to reintegrate Crimea.

Approval Ratings & Public Perception

• Declined over time from above 70% in 2019 to around 24.7% by October 2021.
• Criticized for lack of transparency, including an undisclosed 2020 trip to Oman.
• Faced opposition from nationalist groups regarding Donbas peace efforts.

Analysis of Zelenskyy’s Presidency

Successes:

• Delivered on some campaign promises, including stripping lawmakers of immunity.
• Passed an anti-oligarch bill, showing commitment to tackling corruption.
• Reduced fighting in Donbas through ceasefires (though not permanently).

 Challenges & Criticisms:

• Electoral reforms failed, limiting his ability to reshape Ukraine’s political system.
• Faced resistance from both political elites and nationalist groups.
• His Donbas peace efforts were unpopular and ultimately ineffective.
• Approval ratings steadily dropped due to political instability and economic concerns.

UIA Flight 752 Tragedy and Controversy

On January 8, 2020, the Presidential Office of Ukraine announced that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was cutting short his trip to Oman following the tragic crash of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 in Iran. The incident raised several questions regarding Zelenskyy’s visit, with speculations emerging about undisclosed meetings.

Internet news platform Obozrevatel reported that on January 7, 2020, Ukrainian politician Viktor Medvedchuk—known for his close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin—may have arrived in Oman. This fueled rumors that Zelenskyy may have held unannounced meetings. However, on January 14, Andriy Yermak, head of the Presidential Office, dismissed these claims as unfounded conspiracy theories. Medvedchuk himself later clarified that the aircraft in question had been used by his daughter's family to travel from Oman to Moscow.

Further scrutiny arose when Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko struggled to provide details about the trip’s official agenda during a parliamentary session on January 17. Lawmakers questioned the invitation process, the involvement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the manner in which the president crossed the border. On January 20, Prystaiko stated that full details of the visit would be disclosed at an appropriate time.

Foreign Relations and Diplomatic Engagements

Zelenskyy's first official foreign visit as president took place in June 2019 when he traveled to Brussels to meet with EU and NATO officials. In August 2019, he pledged to lift the moratorium on exhuming Polish mass graves in Ukraine, a gesture aimed at mending relations following disputes over historical events.

In September 2019, the Trump–Ukraine scandal unfolded. Reports suggested that U.S. President Donald Trump had withheld $400 million in military aid to pressure Ukraine into investigating Joe Biden and his son, Hunter Biden, regarding their connections to Burisma Holdings. Zelenskyy denied being coerced and stated his intention to stay out of foreign elections.

During a U.S. visit in September 2021, Zelenskyy met with President Joe Biden, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, among others. He also met with Apple CEO Tim Cook and Ukrainian professionals in Silicon Valley. During this trip, while speaking at the United Nations, an assassination attempt was made on his closest aide, Serhiy Shefir, in Ukraine. Though Shefir was unharmed, his driver sustained multiple gunshot wounds.

The Russo-Ukrainian Crisis (2021–2022)

In April 2021, with Russian troops amassing near Ukraine’s borders, Zelenskyy called for NATO to expedite Ukraine’s membership process. By November 2021, he accused Russia and Ukrainian oligarch Rinat Akhmetov of plotting to overthrow his government—an allegation Russia denied, and Akhmetov dismissed as false.

As tensions escalated, Zelenskyy urged Western nations to take preventive measures against Russia. However, in January 2022, he warned against mass hysteria, emphasizing that constant speculation about an invasion was destabilizing Ukraine’s economy. He downplayed the immediate risk, noting that the situation had not significantly escalated beyond previous tensions.

By February 19, as global concerns about an imminent Russian invasion grew, Zelenskyy addressed the Munich Security Conference, urging Western leaders to abandon their policy of appeasement toward Moscow. He reminded them that Ukraine had surrendered its nuclear arsenal in exchange for security assurances—yet was left vulnerable.

Zelenskyy’s Address on the Eve of Invasion

On February 24, shortly before Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Zelenskyy delivered an impassioned address to both Ukrainian and Russian citizens. Speaking in Russian, he refuted Kremlin claims that Ukraine was led by neo-Nazis and stressed that his government had no intention of attacking the Donbas region. He directly appealed to the Russian people, urging them to prevent war:

“Who will suffer the most from this? The people. Who wants this the least? The people. Who can stop it? The people.”

Zelenskyy’s speech resonated globally, widely described as both emotional and compelling. He urged Russian citizens—including public figures, journalists, and everyday individuals—to oppose their government’s actions and demand peace. His message emphasized the shared humanity between Ukrainians and Russians, challenging the Kremlin’s narrative and rallying international support for Ukraine.

As war broke out, Zelenskyy’s leadership and resilience would define his presidency, transforming him into a symbol of Ukrainian resistance on the world stage.

Phase 1: Invasion and Initial Defense (24 Feb – 7 Apr 2022)

• On 24 February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion, with President Vladimir Putin calling it a "special military operation."
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared martial law, severed diplomatic ties with Russia, and ordered a general mobilization.
• Despite being advised to flee, Zelenskyy remained in Kyiv, gaining international admiration.
• Ukrainian forces and civilians resisted, leading to high approval ratings for Zelenskyy.
• Zelenskyy survived multiple assassination attempts.
• Ukraine formally applied for EU membership on 28 February 2022.

Phase 2: Southeastern Front (8 Apr – 5 Sep 2022)

• Zelenskyy criticized Germany for its past reliance on Russian energy.
• He rejected suggestions to cede Crimea and Donbas to Russia in exchange for peace.
• Ukraine pushed for more Western support, with Zelenskyy addressing multiple international parliaments.
• He urged China to pressure Russia economically but noted that Xi Jinping refused to communicate with him.
• A deepfake video of Zelenskyy surrendering was released but failed to influence the war.

Phase 3: Ukrainian Counteroffensive & Russian Annexations (6 Sep – 31 Dec 2022)

• Ukraine launched counteroffensives, reclaiming key territories.
• After Russia’s annexation of four Ukrainian regions, Zelenskyy refused peace talks with Putin.
• He visited the U.S. in December 2022, addressing Congress and securing Patriot missile systems for Ukraine.
• Russia captured Soledar in January 2023.

Phase 4: Stalemate & Artillery Shortages (2023)

• Zelenskyy visited the ICC and called for Putin’s trial for war crimes.
• Battle of Bakhmut ended in Russia’s favor by June.
• In September, he urged neutral nations to abandon neutrality and support Ukraine.
• He condemned countries that helped Russia evade sanctions.

Phase 5: Western Support Wavers (2024)

• On 8 February 2024, Zelenskyy fired General Valery Zaluzhny, replacing him with Oleksandr Syrskyi.
• On 17 February 2024, Ukraine withdrew from Avdiivka, a strategic city.
• On 25 June 2024, Lt. Gen. Yuriy Sodol was removed from his position and replaced by Brig. Gen. Andriy Hnatov.

Political Views and Policies

Economic Issues

• Did not explicitly promise to lower communal tariffs but hinted at gas price reductions.
• His election manifesto only briefly mentioned using funds from a capital amnesty to ease the tariff burden on low-income citizens.

Foreign Policy

• Supports Ukraine’s EU and NATO membership, favoring referendums on both.
• Advocated for Ukraine’s EU membership application in 2024.
• Condemned Russia's actions and annexation of Crimea, supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty.
• Took a neutral stance on U.S.-China tensions.
• Backed Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
• Condemned Hamas' attack on Israel in 2023 while supporting a two-state solution.

Russo-Ukrainian War

• Supported Euromaidan and the Ukrainian army, funding a volunteer battalion.
• Opposed special status for Donbas and amnesty for pro-Russian militants.
• Described Putin as an enemy and Russia as a hostile power.
• Opposed the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, calling it dangerous for Europe.
• Declared in 2022 that Ukraine would fight until all occupied territories were reclaimed.

Government Reforms

• Pledged to fight corruption, remove immunity for officials, and reform election laws.
• Proposed military salary increases to NATO standards.
• Faced challenges implementing election reforms due to a snap election.

Social Issues

• Opposed banning the Russian language but supported quotas for Ukrainian.
• Supported civil partnerships for same-sex couples but stated same-sex marriage requires constitutional changes.
• Introduced a law banning religious organizations affiliated with Russia, signed in 2024.

Personal Life of Volodymyr Zelenskyy

In September 2003, Volodymyr Zelenskyy married Olena Kiyashko, his longtime partner from school and university. Kiyashko later worked as a scriptwriter at Kvartal 95, the entertainment company founded by Zelenskyy. The couple has two children: their daughter, Oleksandra, born in July 2004, and their son, Kyrylo, born in January 2013. Oleksandra briefly appeared in Zelenskyy’s 2014 film 8 New Dates, portraying the protagonist's daughter. In 2016, she participated in the television show Make the Comedian Laugh: Kids, winning a prize of ₴50,000. The Zelenskyy family resides in Kyiv.

As of 2018, Zelenskyy’s declared assets were valued at approximately ₴37 million (around US$1.5 million).

Fluent in Russian, Ukrainian, and English, Zelenskyy primarily spoke Russian in his early years. However, after assuming the presidency, he made significant efforts to enhance his proficiency in Ukrainian, enlisting a tutor to refine his command of the language.

Awards and Recognition

• Named Person of the Year by Financial Times (2022) and Time (2022).
• Received multiple international awards, including France’s Legion of Honour and the U.S. Ronald Reagan Freedom Award.
• Honored with species Ausichicrinites zelenskyyi named after him.

Entertainment Career

• Former comedian, actor, and producer.
• Starred in Servant of the People, which influenced his presidential campaign.
• Appeared in films and voiced Paddington in Ukrainian dubbing.

References