Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Volodymyr Zelenskyy is one of the most discussed figures in contemporary politics, with a career spanning from a successful showman to the president of Ukraine. Born on January 25, 1978, in Kryvyi Rih, he became Ukraine’s sixth president, taking office on May 20, 2019. His biography, political activities, and leadership during crises have captured the attention of millions, making him a central figure in global news in 2025.

Zelenskyy grew up in a Russian-speaking family in the Dnipropetrovsk region. His father, Oleksandr Zelenskyy, is a professor and doctor of technical sciences, while his mother, Rimma Zelenska, is an engineer. As a child, Volodymyr lived in Mongolia for four years, where his father worked on construction projects. After graduating from school, he aspired to a diplomatic career and prepared for admission to MGIMO but ultimately earned a law degree from the Kryvyi Rih Economic Institute. However, he never practiced law, choosing a path in show business instead.

Zelenskyy began his career as a comedian and actor, gaining fame in the KVN comedy competition with the team “Kvartal 95.” In 2003, he founded the Kvartal 95 studio, which produced popular comedy shows and series, including Servant of the People, where he played a fictional Ukrainian president. This role proved prophetic: in 2019, he won the presidential election with 73.22% of the vote in the second round, defeating Petro Poroshenko. His party, Servant of the People, also secured a majority in the Verkhovna Rada.

Since taking office, Zelenskyy has faced unprecedented challenges, including the escalation of the Donbas conflict and Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. His wartime leadership earned international recognition: Zelenskyy initiated the “Peace Formula” and held the first Peace Summit in 2024, aimed at uniting nations to end the conflict. In autumn 2024, he introduced the “Victory Plan,” outlining security guarantees for Ukraine. Zelenskyy actively advocates for Ukraine’s integration into the EU and NATO, securing EU candidate status in June 2022.

Despite his achievements, his presidency has sparked debates. Critics point to his lack of political experience and decisions like delaying fines for “Euro-plate” car owners. In 2025, Zelenskyy continues to play a pivotal role in negotiations, including potential meetings with world leaders like Donald Trump, to discuss conflict resolution. His charisma, openness, and resilience have made him a symbol of resistance, though Ukraine’s future remains uncertain