KYIV – Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has undergone a significant transformation since Russia’s invasion in 2022, evolving from a political novice into a hardened wartime leader.
Zelenskiy, 46, reflected on his initial aspirations when he was elected in 2019. His goal had been to modernize Ukraine into a liberal democracy. However, those plans were shattered by Russia’s aggression. “All I wanted five years ago was a very liberal country with a liberal economy,” said Zelenskiy, who was previously a popular comedian.
The war has forced Zelenskiy into a position of continuous crisis management. This week, his frustration and anger were palpable as he discussed the devastating airstrike on Ukraine’s largest children’s hospital and expressed a desire to confront Russian President Vladimir Putin directly.
Zelenskiy’s current image—a somber, fatigued leader in paramilitary fatigues—is a stark contrast to the youthful, clean-shaven figure in a sleek suit who took office in 2019. His appearance now reflects the immense pressures he faces daily.
According to interviews with eight current and former Ukrainian and foreign officials who have worked closely with Zelenskiy, the president has become more decisive and less tolerant of mistakes. Oleksii Reznikov, Zelenskiy’s former defense minister, noted the president’s resilience despite severe sleep deprivation and constant stress. Reznikov described Zelenskiy’s lifestyle as a “never-ending marathon” with broken sleep, night consultations, and continuous addresses to international parliaments.
Zelenskiy’s rigorous expectations extend to his team. An anonymous aide recounted an instance where Zelenskiy dismissed unprepared officials during a critical meeting, emphasizing his intolerance for inefficiency.
Despite the immense pressures, Zelenskiy’s mental endurance and rapid grasp of complex details are highly regarded by those around him. Reznikov highlighted Zelenskiy’s impressive memory and quick mastery of the English language, which have been crucial in his leadership role.
The president’s growing paranoia about potential Russian assassination attempts is seen as justified by a senior European official, who emphasized the constant threat to Zelenskiy’s safety.
Zelenskiy’s past as a comedian seems worlds away. In one notable YouTube clip from 2016, he performed a comedic act at a piano, entertaining audiences with his irreverent humor. Andriy Shaykan, a former classmate, observed how the burden of leadership and sleep deprivation have visibly aged Zelenskiy.
Born and raised in Kryvyi Rih, a steelmaking city marked by economic and criminal turmoil after the Soviet Union’s collapse, Zelenskiy found success in entertainment. He led the hit comedy troupe Kvartal 95 and starred in the popular TV sitcom “Servant of the People,” where he played an honest teacher-turned-president. This role resonated with Ukrainians, ultimately leading to his real-life election victory.
However, Zelenskiy’s approval rating, which soared to 90% in 2022, has now stabilized around 60% amid war fatigue and challenging military developments. The president, once seen as an anti-establishment figure, is now viewed as a military leader, with his previous comedic persona left behind.
U.S. Representative Michael McCaul noted Zelenskiy’s growth into an inspiring wartime leader, a process that began when he refused to evacuate Kyiv at the war’s outset. McCaul described Zelenskiy as always serious and direct, particularly in his requests for military support.
Maintaining global attention on Ukraine has been challenging, especially with new international conflicts emerging. Zelenskiy’s persistent appeals for more Western aid often carry a tone of moral urgency, highlighting Ukraine’s sacrifices in defending democracy.
Despite some frustrations with Western allies, Zelenskiy has emphasized the need for a just resolution to the war, expressing a desire to avoid prolonged conflict. His recent calls for more international support have included the possibility of involving a Russian representative in future peace talks.
As Zelenskiy marked five years in power, he refrained from self-assessment, stating, “I am proud that I am the president of Ukraine – this is my attitude to all these five years.”
