Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a Hero of His Time

On January 24th, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy celebrates his birthday. At the age of 45, he managed to become part of the history of his country. He would emphasise in his pre-war interviews that the role model for him was US President Ronald Reagan, who had worked his way from artist to president. It was under him that the ‘empire of evil’ collapsed, opening a new page in world politics. Such an ambition was perceived as ridiculous bravado until February 24, 2022, for which Volodymyr Zelenskyy was often criticized.

He was criticised for many things, including his strange appointments, the corruption of his team members, and his slow reforms. But on February 24, last year, President Zelenskyy took the chance to make history.

Some underestimate his behaviour in the early days of the war, believing that Ukraine would have continued to fight without the President. Let me remind you that Russia hoped to break Ukraine in the first hours. The military advance in several directions was dictated by political and psychological tasks, the main of which was to behead the authorities and deprive the army of controllability.

That’s why it was primarily President Volodymyr Zelenskyy who was the target for the occupiers. Undoubtedly, the elimination of the president of a large European country would automatically involve the West in this war and delegitimize Putin’s terrorist regime. This is why the Russians clearly expected Volodymyr Zelenskyy to flee to another country. Many leaders abandoned their leadership and their people during critical periods in history.

Surprisingly for the occupiers, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said something that resonated in the hearts of many Ukrainians: ‘I don’t need a taxi, I need weapons.’ His saying inspired his people to fight. The war has truly become the people’s war. Every Ukrainian citizen, from a warrior to a volunteer, felt a sense of belonging in this fight.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy managed to persuade the Western public to support Ukraine by speaking truth to power.Ordinary people began to exert influence on their governments, demanding that weapons be supplied to the warring Ukraine.

We then witnessed the victorious march of the Ukrainian army during the autumn months and brilliant operations to liberate the temporarily occupied territories. Yesterday, it became known that the West had taken another important step on the way to Ukraine’s victory in this war—an agreement on the supply of modern tanks. This would not have happened if Ukraine had a different president. Zelenskyy managed to firmly grasp the steering wheel of the country and inspire the people with confidence in the imminent victory of Ukraine.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy will eventually grow old in the eyes of society, which will then choose a new leader. This usually happens in any democratic country. Now, the society is discussing the resignation of representatives of the highest authorities in Ukraine. We hear allegations of corruption followed by ridiculous excuses. These are signs that Ukrainian society is alive and able to be objective about the authorities. There are no perfect people. President Zelenskyy cannot be responsible for everyone around him. Power is an imprint of society.

Every country suffers from corruption. No president will be able to assemble a country that does not include a single corrupt official. With the previous records, there is no other country in the world that has not gone through such an experience. Corruption is constantly fought against. It is important that any newly appointed official understand that his or her work is the focus of attention for society and law enforcement. Every wrongdoing should be followed by an inevitable punishment.

Summing up, I’d like to wish the President on this day strength, political inspiration, and statecraft wisdom. Mr. President, you are the pride of Ukraine and one of the best sons of your fatherland. You will definitely lead Ukraine to victory over the Russian invaders. I am proud to live in a country whose president is someone like you. Thank you for your work.