The Comedian as Leader

On April 22, 2019, under the headline “Comedian Zelensky Wins Presidency”, Jonah Fisher of the BBC wrote “Ukrainians are waking up this morning and discovering that…they really have elected a man who currently stars in a TV series as the president - as the country's next real president and it wasn't even close. The pressure will now be on Mr Zelensky to demonstrate that he knows what he is doing. Throughout the election campaign, he avoided serious interviews and discussions about policy - preferring instead to post light-hearted videos to social media. The comedian-turned-president will be faced with a complex in-tray that includes a simmering war with Russian-backed rebels in the east”.

Thus was president Volodymyr Zelensky’s welcome to the real world of international relations – low expectations and much ridicule. And this is quite likely the impression that Vladimir Putin had in mind when he decided to launch a “three-day” military campaign to topple Zelensky and install a Russia-friendly government. Indeed, on that same day the BBC quoted then Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev saying that he expected Mr Zelensky to "repeat familiar ideological formulas" that he used in the election campaign, adding: "I have no illusions on that score”.

Eight months later, Ukraine has Russia in disarray and on the run, its once powerful military in ridicule, and its global reputation in tatters. The country totters from demonstration to demonstration, with tens of thousands of Russian men leaving the country quickly to avoid a newly constituted military draft.

William Shakespeare once wrote that some men are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.

Future historians will undoubtedly debate which description best applies to president Zelensky.

His leadership skills now appear to be legendary – and under his watch, Ukraine’s civilian and military “Davids” have taken on a monstrous Russian “Goliath” effectively and efficiently.

His acting skills have undoubtedly been a factor in his ability to connect with domestic and foreign audiences. From handheld videos shot on Ukrainian streets to professionally filmed addresses before the United Nations and foreign parliaments, each movement is scripted strategically to achieve both maximum effect while appearing to be spontaneous. 

His ability to tailor his messages to his specific audiences make all feel that they are part of his crusade and that his enemies are our enemies. His late-night addresses on Ukrainian television rally Ukrainians to his vision of bravery and patriotism and energize them with the strength to persevere against all odds.

His wife Olga Zelenska’s leadership skills and courage complement those of the President.  Through her travels, she has connected with foreign audiences, media, and leaders to support the cause. Each carries out their role to perfection.

According to some intimates, president Zelensky is quick to take decisions, is personally courageous, is rapid with the quip and strong on strategic messaging. Early on, when invited by the United States to accept an offer to evacuate him and his family, he responded saying “I need ammunition, not a ride”.

Part of his impact internationally, the example he has set. One which can make us all ask ourselves if our own leaders could react with such focus, courage, aplomb, and ability were they in a similar circumstance. I believe that the answer for most of us would be negative.

President Zelensky came to office as an outsider and an atypical politician. For once, this claim was right on. His leadership style is unorthodox, and his abilities have set a new bar for other aspiring leaders.

So here we with a vicious man in the Kremlin who seems to have taken a tragicomic approach to a war that he himself started, facing a former comedian in Kiev who has proven to be the most effective wartime leader since Sir Winston Churchill. 

So, whether President Zelensky was born with greatness, has developed greatness, or has had greatness thrust upon him, he is proving to be a great president and the leader that his country and the world have needed at this crucial moment in history.

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Edition: Estefanía Cardeña