Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy, born on January 25, 1978, is a Ukrainian political leader and former comedian and actor who has been serving as the country’s sixth president since 2019. His presidency has been shaped primarily by the major escalation of the conflict with Russia, marked by the full-scale invasion launched in February 2022.

6th President of Ukraine
Assumed office 20 May 2019
Prime Minister	Volodymyr Groysman Oleksiy Honcharuk Denys Shmyhal
Preceded by	Petro Poroshenko
Personal details
Born	25 January 1978 (age 47) Krivoy Rog, Soviet Union (now Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine)
Political party	Independent
Other political affiliations	Servant of the People (2018–present)
Spouse	Olena Kyiashko ​ (m. 2003)​
Children	2
Parents	Oleksandr Zelenskyy (father) Rymma Zelenska (mother)
Residence	Mariinskyi Palace
Alma mater	Kryvyi Rih Institute of Economics (LLB)
Website	president.gov.ua/en

Volodymyr Zelenskyy was born into a Ukrainian Jewish family and grew up in Kryvyi Rih, a major industrial city in the Dnipropetrovsk region of central Ukraine. Russian was his first language at home. Although he earned a law degree from the Kryvyi Rih Institute of Economics, he never entered the legal profession. Instead, he gravitated toward the entertainment world, where he built a successful career in comedy and television.

He went on to establish the production company Kvartal 95, which became known for creating popular movies, animated works, and TV shows. One of its most successful projects was the satirical series Servant of the People, in which Zelenskyy played a schoolteacher who unexpectedly becomes president. The show aired from 2015 to 2019 and became a cultural phenomenon in Ukraine. Its popularity eventually inspired the creation of an actual political party named after the show, launched in March 2018 by members of Kvartal 95.

Zelenskyy announced his bid for president on December 31, 2018, surprising viewers during a New Year’s Eve broadcast on the TV channel 1+1—airing at the same time as the annual address by then-President Petro Poroshenko. Despite having no political background, he quickly became the favourite in public opinion polls even before formally entering the race. He went on to win by a record margin, earning more than 73% of the vote in the second round and defeating Poroshenko in the most decisive presidential victory in Ukraine’s history.

Once in office, Zelenskyy presented himself as a political outsider focused on challenging the establishment and tackling corruption. He promoted the modernization of government services, especially through digital reforms, and called for unity between Ukrainian- and Russian-speaking citizens. His party won a majority in the early parliamentary elections held shortly after his inauguration, giving him a strong mandate to pursue reforms. During his first years as president, he oversaw the removal of parliamentary immunity, introduced anti-corruption measures, and managed Ukraine’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. A poll in May 2021 by the Rating Group found that Ukrainians viewed him as the most trusted of all the country’s presidents, second only to Leonid Kuchma in performance.

A key campaign promise was to bring an end to the long-running conflict with Russia. Zelenskyy initially sought dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin in hopes of easing tensions. However, relations deteriorated sharply in 2021, culminating in Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. In the weeks leading up to the attack, Zelenskyy attempted to calm public fear while simultaneously pushing for international security support and military assistance.

When war broke out, Zelenskyy rejected offers to evacuate, choosing to stay in Kyiv with his team. He declared martial law, ordered a full mobilization of Ukraine’s defence forces, and swiftly emerged as a powerful symbol of resistance. His leadership during the crisis drew global praise, and in 2022 he was named Time magazine’s Person of the Year. He has frequently travelled to the frontlines and newly liberated towns, and his signature wartime clothing has become part of his public identity as a leader in crisis.

Zelenskyy’s five-year presidential term was scheduled to end in May 2024, but national elections cannot be held under martial law. As the war continues, he is expected to remain in office until peace is restored, making him, after Leonid Kuchma, the second-longest-serving president in independent Ukraine.

Early Life

Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy was born on January 25, 1978, in Kryvyi Rih, then a city within the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic. He grew up in a Jewish family with a strong academic and engineering background. His father, Oleksandr Zelenskyy, is a respected scholar who leads the Department of Cybernetics and Computing Hardware at the Kryvyi Rih State University of Economics and Technology. His mother, Rymma Zelenska, worked as an engineer before retiring.

Zelenskyy’s family history was deeply shaped by World War II. His grandfather, Semyon Zelenskyy, fought as a colonel in the Red Army, while Semyon’s father and three brothers were tragically killed during the Holocaust. In a 2022 address, Zelenskyy shared that his great-grandparents died when German forces burned their home during a massacre. His grandmother survived the war after being evacuated to Almaty in Kazakhstan, eventually returning to Ukraine once the conflict ended.

Zelenskyy also spent part of his childhood abroad. When he was young, his family lived for four years in Erdenet, Mongolia, where his father worked as a mining engineer. Russian was his first language, and at the age of 16, he passed the TOEFL exam and earned a scholarship to study in Israel. However, his father decided against the move, and Zelenskyy remained in Ukraine. He later completed a law degree at the Kryvyi Rih Institute of Economics—then affiliated with Kyiv National Economic University—although he chose not to pursue a career in law.

Entertainment Career

At 17, Zelenskyy joined a local team in the KVN comedy competition and was soon invited to the Ukrainian team "Zaporizhzhia-Kryvyi Rih-Transit," which won KVN’s Major League in 1997. That same year, he founded Kvartal 95, a comedy troupe that later became a production company. Kvartal 95 performed in Ukraine's highest comedy leagues and frequently toured post-Soviet countries. The company produced TV shows for the Ukrainian channels 1+1 and Inter.

Entertainment Career

Zelenskyy’s path into entertainment began at age 17 when he joined a local team competing in the popular KVN comedy show. His talent quickly stood out, and he was invited to join the Ukrainian team “Zaporizhzhia–Kryvyi Rih–Transit,” which went on to win the KVN Major League championship in 1997. That same year, he and a group of fellow performers founded Kvartal 95, initially a comedy troupe that gradually expanded into a full-fledged production studio. The group took part in top-tier comedy contests across Ukraine and toured extensively throughout the former Soviet region, earning wide recognition.

Over time, Kvartal 95 evolved into one of Ukraine’s leading entertainment companies, producing hit comedy programs and television projects for major national broadcasters such as 1+1 and Inter.

Zelenskyy made his on-screen film debut with Love in the Big City (2008), later returning for its sequels. He went on to star in several popular films including Office Romance. Our Time (2011), Rzhevsky Versus Napoleon (2012), and 8 First Dates (2012), along with its follow-up films released in 2015 and 2016. He also lent his voice to the Ukrainian-language versions of Paddington (2014) and Paddington 2 (2017), voicing the beloved bear character.

Between 2010 and 2012, Zelenskyy held a senior role at the TV network Inter, serving on its board and as the channel’s general producer. He later disclosed that former president Viktor Yanukovych once attempted to pay him $100 million to shape Kvartal 95’s programming for political propaganda—an offer Zelenskyy firmly rejected.

A turning point in his career came in 2015, when Zelenskyy starred in the satirical TV series Servant of the People. He portrayed a humble schoolteacher who unexpectedly becomes president of Ukraine after a video of his anti-corruption speech goes viral. The show became a national sensation and resonated strongly with the public. Its success eventually spilled into real life: in 2018, a political party named Servant of the People was officially registered by members of his production team, setting the stage for Zelenskyy’s entry into politics.

2019 Presidential Campaign

In early 2018, the team behind Volodymyr Zelenskyy began laying the political groundwork by officially registering the Servant of the People party—named after the hit TV show that made him a household name. Although Zelenskyy repeatedly dismissed rumours that he intended to enter politics, public curiosity grew rapidly. By autumn 2018, national opinion polls already placed him among the leading contenders for the presidency.

On the night of December 31, 2018, Zelenskyy used TV channel 1+1 to reveal his candidacy—timed to air moments before President Petro Poroshenko’s traditional New Year address. His campaign took an unconventional route: instead of large rallies or lengthy political interviews, he leaned heavily on social media messaging, short video addresses, and appearances at comedy shows. His avoidance of traditional media frustrated many journalists, prompting 20 Ukrainian media outlets to publicly urge him to participate in open press questioning.

Zelenskyy’s platform centred on breaking the political status quo. He portrayed himself as a fresh alternative to the country’s entrenched political class, promising to cleanse government of corruption and rebuild public trust. He steered clear of detailed policy blueprints, choosing instead to promote principles of transparency, accountability, and honest governance. Critics compared this to populist campaign strategies seen elsewhere, although many analysts noted that his rhetoric was notably inclusive rather than divisive.

Throughout the campaign, opponents repeatedly raised concerns about his links to billionaire Ihor Kolomoyskyi, whose media network broadcasted Servant of the People. Poroshenko’s team even argued that a Zelenskyy presidency would open the door to increased Russian influence. Zelenskyy countered by emphasizing his independence and focusing on unifying the country.

A defining moment came on April 19, 2019, when Zelenskyy and Poroshenko faced off in a dramatic outdoor debate at Kyiv’s Olimpiyskiy Stadium. Zelenskyy confronted Poroshenko directly, revealing that he had voted for him in 2014 but felt betrayed by unmet promises. Although Zelenskyy initially vowed to serve only one term, he later signaled in May 2021 that a second run was possible.

Economically, he pledged to reboot Ukraine’s growth by reforming the courts, encouraging investment, and proposing a 5% flat tax for major businesses—subject to expert review. He argued that a government that behaves honestly will inspire citizens to pay taxes voluntarily.

Zelenskyy led the first round of voting on March 31, 2019, with 30% support. In the runoff on April 21, he defeated Poroshenko with 73% of the vote—the largest victory margin ever recorded in Ukraine. Messages of congratulations soon followed from leaders around the world, including France’s Emmanuel Macron, Poland’s Andrzej Duda, U.S. President Donald Trump, and senior European Union officials. His rise marked one of the most dramatic political shifts in modern Ukrainian history: a comedian and political outsider had become the country’s head of state.

Zelenskyy’s Presidency Before the Full-Scale Invasion (2019–2021)

Inauguration & Early Decisions

• Zelenskyy was sworn in on 20 May 2019, with dignitaries from around the world in attendance.
• He immediately dissolved parliament and called early elections to reset the political landscape.
• One of his first acts was restoring Ukrainian citizenship to former Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili.

Political & Electoral Reforms

• His attempt to revise the electoral system toward full proportional representation failed to gain traction.
• Parliament initially blocked his anti-corruption bill, though a similar version was later passed.
• In a major victory, the long-promised removal of parliamentary immunity was approved in September 2019.

Government Restructuring & Key Figures

Zelenskyy appointed Andriy Bohdan—a former lawyer linked to Ihor Kolomoyskyi—as his first chief of staff; Bohdan was later replaced by Andriy Yermak.

• In a sweeping overhaul, he dismissed 20 of Ukraine’s 24 regional governors.
• His party, Servant of the People, won the 2019 snap parliamentary elections, becoming the first party in Ukraine’s history to secure an outright majority.

Changes in the Prime Minister’s Office

• Oleksiy Honcharuk was named prime minister in July 2019, presenting a youthful, reform-oriented cabinet.
• In March 2020, audio leaked of Honcharuk criticizing Zelenskyy’s grasp of economic policy, leading to his replacement by Denys Shmyhal.

Media Policy & Oligarch Influence

• Zelenskyy sought to curb oligarch dominance in the media sector through proposed reforms, though critics warned of potential restrictions on free press.
• In 2021, his government passed an “anti-oligarch law”, creating a formal registry to limit oligarchs’ political and economic sway.

Foreign Policy and the Donbas Conflict

• Zelenskyy pursued diplomatic efforts with Russia, including direct talks with Vladimir Putin and participation in Normandy Format negotiations.
• He offered a controversial peace framework that would permit elections in occupied Donbas if Russian forces withdrew—an idea rejected by many Ukrainians and never implemented.
• Decree 117/2021 outlined Ukraine’s long-term strategy for regaining Crimea.

Public Perception & Approval Ratings

• Zelenskyy enjoyed strong early support—over 70% in 2019—but ratings fell to about 25% by late 2021.
• He faced increasing criticism over transparency, including backlash to a secretive 2020 trip to Oman.
• Nationalist groups opposed his peace overtures toward Russia, accusing him of being too conciliatory.

Assessment of Zelenskyy’s Term (2019–2021)

Notable Achievements

• Delivered on key campaign promise by removing immunity for lawmakers.
• Took concrete steps to challenge oligarch power, including passing the anti-oligarch law.
• Managed to reduce hostilities in Donbas through temporary ceasefire agreements.

Difficulties & Criticism

• Failed to secure broad electoral reforms, limiting his ability to overhaul Ukraine’s political structure.
• Faced pushback from political elites, opposition parties, and hardline nationalist groups.
• His peace strategy for the Donbas proved politically unpopular and produced limited results.
• Approval ratings steadily declined amid economic uncertainty and political turbulence.

UIA Flight 752 Tragedy and Resulting Controversy

On January 8, 2020, the Office of the President of Ukraine confirmed that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would be returning early from a private trip to Oman after the devastating crash of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 in Iran. The tragedy quickly drew public attention to the circumstances of Zelenskyy’s visit, sparking speculation about the purpose of his stay and potential undisclosed meetings.

Reports soon emerged adding fuel to the controversy. The Ukrainian media outlet Obozrevatel published information suggesting that on January 7, Ukrainian politician Viktor Medvedchuk—widely regarded for his close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin—had also been in Oman. This led to widespread rumors that Zelenskyy may have held unofficial talks during his visit. The claims were firmly rejected on January 14 by Andriy Yermak, the Head of the Presidential Office, who labelled them as baseless conspiracy theories. Medvedchuk later stated that the aircraft in question had been used by his daughter’s family to travel from Oman to Moscow, not for political meetings.

Questions persisted, however, particularly within Ukraine’s parliament. On January 17, Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko faced pressure from lawmakers after he was unable to clearly outline the formal purpose or itinerary of the trip. Members of parliament demanded transparency regarding who extended the invitation for the visit, whether the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was involved, and how the president had officially entered and exited the country. Prystaiko later clarified on January 20 that full information about the trip would be released when considered appropriate.

Foreign Relations and International Diplomacy

Zelenskyy’s first overseas trip as president took place in June 2019, when he visited Brussels for introductory meetings with senior officials from both the European Union and NATO. The visit signaled Ukraine’s continued commitment to European integration and security cooperation. Later, in August 2019, he made a goodwill gesture toward Poland by announcing that Ukraine would lift its ban on the exhumation of Polish victims buried in Ukrainian territory—an issue that had long strained bilateral relations due to sensitive historical disputes.

His presidency became entangled in U.S. domestic politics in September 2019 during what became known as the Trump–Ukraine controversy. It was alleged that then-U.S. President Donald Trump had frozen $400 million in military assistance to encourage Ukraine to launch investigations into Joe Biden and his son Hunter’s ties to Burisma Holdings. Zelenskyy publicly rejected the notion that he had been pressured, emphasizing that Ukraine would not interfere in the internal politics of another country.

Zelenskyy returned to the United States in September 2021 for a series of high-level engagements. During this visit, he held meetings with President Joe Biden, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken to discuss defense cooperation, reforms, and strategic partnerships. He also met Apple CEO Tim Cook and engaged with Ukrainian tech specialists in Silicon Valley to explore opportunities for digital innovation. The trip was overshadowed by a shocking incident back home: an assassination attempt on his top aide, Serhiy Shefir. Although Shefir survived, his driver was seriously injured after being shot multiple times.

The Russo-Ukrainian Crisis (2021–2022)

In April 2021, as Russia began a significant military buildup along Ukraine’s borders, Zelenskyy urged NATO to accelerate Ukraine’s path to membership, stressing that stronger security guarantees were essential to deter Russian aggression. Tensions continued to rise, and by November 2021, Zelenskyy publicly claimed that Russia, together with Ukrainian oligarch Rinat Akhmetov, was involved in a plan to destabilize and overthrow his administration. Moscow rejected the accusation, and Akhmetov labelled the claim untrue and unfounded.

Rising Tensions and Warnings to the West

As the situation with Russia became increasingly volatile, Zelenskyy repeatedly called on Western governments to take proactive steps to deter Moscow. Yet, in January 2022, he cautioned against fueling panic, arguing that constant predictions of an invasion were harming Ukraine’s economy and stability. He reassured the public that the threat level had not drastically changed compared to past escalations.

By February 19, with fears of a full-scale attack intensifying around the world, Zelenskyy addressed the Munich Security Conference, urging global powers to stop appeasing the Kremlin. He reminded leaders that Ukraine had given up its nuclear weapons in exchange for security guarantees—leaving the country exposed when those assurances were tested.

Zelenskyy’s Speech Before the Invasion

In the early hours of February 24, just before Russia launched its full-scale assault, Zelenskyy delivered a powerful televised message to both Ukrainians and Russians. Speaking directly in Russian, he rejected Moscow’s accusations that Ukraine was controlled by neo-Nazis and stressed that Kyiv had no plans to launch an offensive in the Donbas. He appealed to ordinary Russians to oppose the war:

“Who will suffer the most from this? The people.
Who wants this the least? The people.
Who can stop it? The people.”

His emotional address resonated worldwide, earning recognition for its sincerity and moral clarity. Zelenskyy called on Russian citizens—including cultural figures, journalists, and everyday families—to stand against the Kremlin’s aggression and speak out for peace. He emphasized the deep cultural and historical ties between the two nations, challenging Russia’s narrative while rallying global solidarity for Ukraine.

Once the invasion began, Zelenskyy’s resolve and refusal to flee Kyiv quickly became defining traits of his leadership, turning him into a symbol of Ukrainian courage and resistance on the international stage.

Phase 1: Invasion and Initial Defense (24 February – 7 April 2022)

Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, with President Vladimir Putin labeling the assault a “special military operation.” In response, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy imposed martial law, cut diplomatic ties with Moscow, and ordered a nationwide mobilization of forces.
Despite international offers to evacuate him for safety, Zelenskyy chose to stay in Kyiv, a decision that won him widespread respect around the world. Ukrainian troops—supported by ordinary citizens—mounted a fierce defense, which significantly boosted public support for Zelenskyy. During this period, he also survived several reported assassination attempts.
Just four days into the invasion, on 28 February, Ukraine officially submitted its application for membership in the European Union, signaling its strategic shift further toward the West.

Phase 2: Southeastern Front and Diplomatic Pressure (8 April – 5 September 2022)

As fighting intensified on the southeastern front, Zelenskyy openly criticized Germany for its long-standing dependence on Russian energy. He rejected any proposals suggesting Ukraine surrender Crimea or the Donbas in exchange for a ceasefire.
Zelenskyy continued rallying global support, addressing parliaments across the world to secure military and economic aid. He also urged China to use its influence to restrain Russia, though he later acknowledged that President Xi Jinping had declined direct communication.
During this period, a deepfake video surfaced online, falsely showing Zelenskyy calling for Ukrainian troops to surrender. The attempt at psychological warfare, however, failed to gain traction or weaken public morale.

Phase 3: Ukrainian Counteroffensive and Russia’s Annexations (6 September – 31 December 2022)

In September, Ukraine launched a series of counteroffensives that successfully reclaimed several occupied territories. After Russia declared the annexation of four Ukrainian regions, Zelenskyy ruled out negotiations with President Putin.
He traveled to the United States in December 2022, where he addressed Congress and secured a commitment for Patriot missile defense systems.
In early January 2023, Russia captured the town of Soledar, marking one of the few territorial gains for Moscow during this period.

Phase 4: Stalemate and Shortages (2023)

By 2023, the conflict had slowed into a grinding stalemate, with ammunition shortages impacting Ukraine’s ability to advance. Zelenskyy paid a visit to the International Criminal Court, calling for Putin to be prosecuted for war crimes.
The Battle of Bakhmut concluded in Russia’s favor by June. In the months that followed, Zelenskyy continued urging nations that remained neutral to take a clear stance in favor of Ukraine. He also condemned states that assisted Russia in bypassing international sanctions.

Phase 5: Waning Western Support (2024)

Support from some Western allies began to show signs of fatigue in 2024. On 8 February, Zelenskyy dismissed the Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine’s armed forces, General Valery Zaluzhny, appointing Oleksandr Syrskyi as his replacement.
On 17 February, Ukrainian forces withdrew from the key city of Avdiivka after heavy fighting.
Further reshuffling of military leadership continued when, on 25 June 2024, Lt. Gen. Yuriy Sodol was removed from his command and succeeded by Brigadier General Andriy Hnatov.

Political Views and Policy Positions

Economic Policy

Zelenskyy did not make firm promises to reduce utility tariffs during his campaign, though he subtly suggested that gas prices could be lowered. His manifesto made only a brief reference to using revenue generated from a capital amnesty program to help ease the cost of communal services, particularly for vulnerable or low-income households.

Foreign Affairs

Zelenskyy has consistently championed Ukraine’s integration into European and transatlantic structures, expressing strong support for eventual EU and NATO membership. He has emphasized that such historic decisions should be endorsed by nationwide referendums to reflect the will of the people.
He vocally condemned Russia’s aggression and the annexation of Crimea, reinforcing Ukraine’s sovereignty as non-negotiable. While maintaining firm positions on Russia, he avoided taking sides in the geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China, opting for a balanced approach.
Zelenskyy also supported Azerbaijan during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and, in 2023, condemned the Hamas attacks on Israel. At the same time, he reiterated support for a two-state solution as the path to lasting peace in the Middle East.

Positions on the Russo-Ukrainian Conflict

From the outset, Zelenskyy backed the Euromaidan movement and actively supported the Ukrainian military, including financial contributions to a volunteer battalion. He opposed granting special status to the Donbas region or offering amnesty to pro-Russian separatists.
He has described Vladimir Putin as an adversary and views Russia as a hostile state. Zelenskyy also stood against the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, warning that it posed significant risks to Europe’s security and energy independence.
By 2022, he made Ukraine’s stance unequivocally clear: the war would continue until every occupied territory was liberated.

Government and Institutional Reforms

Zelenskyy entered office with strong promises to overhaul Ukraine’s political system. His agenda focused on tackling corruption, lifting immunity protections for public officials, and transforming the electoral framework. He also proposed increasing military salaries to align more closely with NATO standards.
However, the early snap parliamentary elections created obstacles in implementing several of these reforms at the pace originally intended.

Social Policies

Zelenskyy rejected calls to ban the Russian language in Ukraine but supported the introduction of quotas to strengthen and promote the use of Ukrainian in public life.
On LGBTQ+ rights, he backed the idea of legalizing civil partnerships for same-sex couples while noting that full marriage equality would require constitutional amendments.
In 2024, he signed into law a measure prohibiting religious organizations with direct ties to Russia, citing national security concerns amid ongoing conflict.

Personal Life of Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Volodymyr Zelenskyy married his childhood and university sweetheart, Olena Kiyashko, in September 2003. Olena later became a scriptwriter for Kvartal 95, the production company Zelenskyy co-founded. The couple has two children: their daughter Oleksandra, born in July 2004, and their son Kyrylo, born in January 2013.
Oleksandra made a brief on-screen appearance in her father’s 2014 film 8 New Dates, playing the protagonist’s daughter. She later took part in the 2016 TV show Make the Comedian Laugh: Kids, where she won a cash prize of ₴50,000. The family continues to live in Kyiv.

By 2018, Zelenskyy declared total assets of roughly ₴37 million (approximately US$1.5 million).

Zelenskyy is fluent in Ukrainian, Russian, and English. Although Russian was his dominant language growing up, he made a concerted effort to strengthen his Ukrainian after becoming president, even hiring a tutor to improve his mastery of the language.

Awards and Recognition

Named “Person of the Year” by Time and the Financial Times in 2022.

Received several international honors, including France’s Legion of Honour and the Ronald Reagan Freedom Award in the United States.

A newly discovered prehistoric species, Ausichicrinites zelenskyyi, was officially named in his honor.

Entertainment Background

Initially became known as a comedian, actor, and producer long before entering politics.

Gained widespread fame as the lead actor in the TV series Servant of the People, a role that later inspired the creation of the political party he would go on to lead to victory.

Appeared in several films throughout his entertainment career and provided the Ukrainian voice for Paddington Bear in the first two Paddington movies.

References