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“I do not play a role. I feel good being myself and saying what I think”
(Volodymyr Zelenskiy)

In April 2019, Volodymyr Zelenskiy made history by winning the Ukrainian presidential election with a landslide victory. It was a remarkable achievement for a man who had never held political office before, and who was best known for his work as a comedian and television producer.

Zelenskiy was born in Kryvyi Rih in 1978, and grew up in a working-class family. He studied law at university, but his real passion was comedy, and he began performing in local clubs and theaters. In 2003, he founded his own production company, Kvartal 95, which went on to become one of Ukraine’s most successful entertainment companies.

Over the years, Zelenskiy’s comedy shows and films became increasingly popular, and he developed a loyal fan following who loved his irreverent humor and satirical take on Ukrainian politics and society. But while he was widely admired for his comedic talents, few people took him seriously as a potential political leader.

That all changed in 2018, when Zelenskiy announced his candidacy for the presidency. His campaign was unconventional, to say the least. Instead of relying on traditional political methods like rallies and speeches, Zelenskiy used social media to reach out to voters, posting videos and memes that were widely shared online. He also used his television show, “Servant of the People,” to promote his campaign, playing a fictional president who fought corruption and championed the rights of ordinary people.

Despite his lack of political experience, Zelenskiy’s message resonated with voters who were fed up with the corruption and dysfunction of the Ukrainian political establishment. His outsider status and promise to shake up the system appealed to many Ukrainians, and he won a stunning victory, capturing over 73% of the vote in the second round of the election.

Since taking office, Zelenskiy has faced a host of challenges, from an ongoing war with Russia to the COVID-19 pandemic and economic instability. But he has remained committed to his campaign promises, pushing for anti-corruption measures, reforming the judiciary, and investing in infrastructure and social programs.

Zelenskiy’s presidency has been marked by both highs and lows. He has been praised for his efforts to end the war in eastern Ukraine and improve relations with the European Union, but has also faced criticism for his handling of the pandemic and his perceived closeness to oligarchs and business interests.

Despite these challenges, Zelenskiy remains popular with many Ukrainians, who see him as a fresh face and a break from the past. Whether he can maintain his support and continue to deliver on his promises remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s rise from comedian to president is a testament to the power of humor and creativity, the enduring spirit of democracy. As he has underlined recently, “We have tasted freedom and we will not give it up.”