In the five tumultuous years since his unprecedented electoral victory, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has steered his nation through a gauntlet of challenges, evolving from a comedic figurehead to a symbol of resilience against Russian aggression.

Initially an actor and comedian, Zelensky catapulted from the television screen to the heart of Ukrainian politics with a landslide win in the 2019 presidential elections, capturing 73% of the vote.

His campaign, largely waged online, capitalized on a populist wave of anti-corruption sentiment and promised to end the war in Donbas, usher in good governance, and lift the living standards of Ukrainian families. These promises would soon be tested by the grim realities of geopolitics and conflict.

Zelensky’s tenure began amidst rising pressures from both internal opposition factions and external adversities, notably from Russia. Despite early success with a ceasefire in Donbas, the Minsk Process stalled, and hopes for peace dimmed with Russia’s full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022. The war, which has continued to ravage Ukraine, has not only challenged Zelensky’s presidency but has also reshaped his political persona.

Once criticized for political immaturity, Zelensky’s response to the invasion showcased his leadership prowess. He faced the invasion head-on, mobilizing international support, influencing foreign audiences, and preserving the state’s vital processes during the initial shock of the invasion. His direct and authentic communication has been a cornerstone of his success, echoing the sentiments of the Ukrainian people with a clarity that has rallied national and international support for Ukraine’s cause.

Zelensky’s presidency has been a balancing act of political forces within Ukraine, uniting the nation in coherence to the war effort. His skill in communicating Ukraine’s cause to the wider world has been unparalleled. His message has been clear: Ukraine—and by extension, he as its leader—will not give up.

However, the war has also highlighted his shortcomings, such as the absence of a strategic vision for Ukraine’s path to victory, reflected in the insufficient preparation for hostilities and overly optimistic expectations for a swift counteroffensive. His greatest failure, as some argue, was investing in the failed “second front” throughout the summer of 2023.

Despite this, Zelensky’s courage in answering Russian aggression has been his defining achievement. His ability to lead the army and the country in two great victories against the Russian army in 2022-2023 has been emblematic of his presidency.

On the flip side, his governance has been marked by reliance on personal loyalty over institutional strength, leading to a perpetuation of weak parliamentary and governmental trust. Moreover, corruption remains a significant challenge for his administration, which has struggled to implement effective anti-corruption measures.

Zelensky’s greatest success, beyond any doubt, has been his embodiment of the Ukrainian spirit of defiance during the Russian invasion. His personal example, his vision for a postwar Ukraine, and his refusal to leave Kyiv have solidified his position as a wartime leader of global recognition. His address to the U.S. Congress and his international appeals have not only secured military aid but also contributed to the sanctions that have strained the Russian economy.

Volodymyr Zelensky’s presidency thus far has been a testament to the transformative power of leadership in times of crisis. In the face of a protracted war, his strategies have remained a work in progress, but his courage and commitment to his nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity have become the indelible hallmarks of his term in office. His presidency continues to evolve as Ukraine and the world watch with bated breath, hoping for a resolution that restores peace to the embattled nation.

Relevant articles:
– Historical Significance of Zelensky’s Presidency So Far, Wilson Center
– Five Years of Zelensky’s Presidency, Wilson Center
– Volodymyr Zelensky | Biography, Facts, Presidency, & Russian Invasion of Ukraine, Britannica
– How Zelensky Has Changed Ukraine, Journal of Democracy