Mustafizur Rahman
In 2019, Ukraine witnessed a remarkable political phenomenon. No one would have thought a comedian with no experience in politics would suddenly rise to power and become president of the country, defeating the incumbent Petro Poroshenko.
Seven years ago, everyone knew Volodymyr Zelensky as a famous comedian bringing laughs on Ukrainian TV. Most Ukrainians were familiar with his television program, where he portrayed an overburdened but hardworking president attempting to fight corruption.
Now he is doing the same, only this time the fight is far more dangerous and real.
Now the Ukrainian president standing up against Russian President Vladimir Putin in the face of a deadly and ongoing war and has become the face of resistance against tyranny.
The 44-year-old actor is now hailed as a hero and a symbol of courage for Ukraine and the world at large. His unwavering commitment to fighting against the forces of Russia has garnered him widespread praise and admiration, with global leaders recognizing him as a true hero.
Through his brave and selfless actions, he has become a source of inspiration for millions, demonstrating that a single individual can make a difference in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
Zelensky continues to stand up against the aggression and injustice of the Russian government.
His life and path have been anything but typical compared to other international leaders, and he has faced a seemingly unending series of crises since taking office.
Zelensky’s journey from comedic actor and rookie politician to world statesman took only three years. His rapid rise has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride, with each twist and turn bringing new challenges and obstacles to overcome.
When Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky first took office in 2019, he was seen as a postmodern leader, breaking with traditional political norms by trying to appeal to everyone.
He was elected not for his specific policies, of which he had few, but rather for his promises to root out corruption and challenge the entrenched ideologies of the political class. However, in the early days of his presidency, Zelensky struggled to translate his celebrity status into effective leadership.
In 2015, Zelensky was cast in the sitcom Servant of the People as Vasyl Petrovych Holoborodko, a teacher who becomes president when a video of him criticizing corrupt officials goes viral.
But unlike his television personality, he often seemed out of his depth. When the tables turned and he was the one facing difficult questions from the press, he appeared to be uncomfortable and sometimes even cranky.
As he attempted to navigate the complex world of international diplomacy and domestic politics, it became increasingly clear that Zelensky faced a steep learning curve, and his lack of experience would be a significant obstacle to overcome.
While he may have had the charisma and star power to win over the Ukrainian people, it was clear that he didn’t have the political acumen and expertise to govern effectively.
Although he always had a voice for the basic values of freedom and a roar of defiance against Russian annexation and recent events have forged his presidency into something more noteworthy. When the war broke out with Russia, Zelensky came out of his dark suits and clean-shaven appearance, opting for green khaki and a short beard.
Despite the immense odds stacked against him, President Zelensky has refused to back down or flee to another country. Instead, he stood his ground and acted with remarkable courage and leadership.
He has confronted each new issue head-on, inspiring confidence in his people and the world community, with a calm and composed demeanor. Despite the fact that the world seemed to be falling around him, Zelensky never lost his sense of purpose or commitment to his nation.
