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Who Is Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Europe’s Most Vulnerable President? - Foreign Affairs - Nairaland

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Who Is Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Europe’s Most Vulnerable President? by Odewaleadesoye(m): 2:45pm On Feb 25, 2022
Ukraine’s president finds himself the number one target of the Russian army as Moscow reportedly seeks regime change.

Zelenskyy came to power in 2019 as a political novice [File: Johanna Geron/Pool via EPA]


Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy came to power in 2019, taking charge of the war-torn, corruption-plagued country of about 45 million without any prior political experience.

The political novice and former sitcom actor and comedian, who was dismissed by critics as a puppet of Ukrainian oligarch Ihor Kolomoisky, won his presidency by securing more than 73 percent of ballots, promising to balance the defence of Ukraine from Russian aggression with protecting the Russian speakers of his country.

Born in the predominantly Russian-speaking industrial city of Kryvyi Rih in central Ukraine, the father of two was seen as best placed to succeed in his mission and shortly after becoming president, used diplomacy to get Moscow to exchange several groups of Ukrainian prisoners of war.

But the goodwill of Russia’s President Vladimir Putin was not to last, as Zelenskyy did not change his country’s pro-Western foreign policy in favour of closer ties to its former master, Moscow.

Zelenskyy visits the war-hit Donbas region, eastern Ukraine, last year [File: Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP]


Last year, Russia started amassing its troops near Ukraine’s borders with a pretext of holding military exercises.

Despite warnings by the United States of the Russian plan to invade Ukraine, Zelenskyy tried to keep calm in the country, calling on Ukrainians to avoid panic.

However, he shuttled around the capitals of Europe, trying to secure diplomatic, military and financial support for Ukraine to deter Moscow from invading.


On Thursday, February 24, Zelenskyy became Europe’s most vulnerable president, as Russia launched an all-out invasion of Ukraine by land, air and sea.

‘A regime change’
Fabrice Pothier, a chief strategy officer at the political consultancy Rasmussen Global and former director of policy planning at NATO, told Al Jazeera from Santander, Spain that Putin’s aim was “political capitulation” – “a regime change” in Ukraine.

“It is pretty clear that he wants a regime change and the regime should be – in his view – sympathetic to Russia’s interest, turning down the NATO and the EU membership path, claiming some kind of neutrality or a Finland position,” he said, referring to Finland’s historic decision to associate with Europe, but avoid hostility towards Russia by not joining NATO

Zelenskyy also identified himself as “target number one” of Russia, but he and his family remained in Ukraine.

“They want to destroy Ukraine politically by taking down the head of state,” the president said.

The 44 year old also criticised Ukraine’s allies for not coming to his country’s defence physically, limiting themselves with verbal, financial and diplomatic support.

“We have been left alone to defend our state,” he said in a video address to the nation after midnight. “Who is ready to fight alongside us? I don’t see anyone. Who is ready to give Ukraine a guarantee of NATO membership? Everyone is afraid.”

Social media users have recognised his vulnerability, by dubbing him “a lonely but honourable man”


Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/2/25/who-is-volodymyr-zelenskyy-europes-most-vulnerable-president

3 Likes 1 Share

Re: Who Is Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Europe’s Most Vulnerable President? by Odewaleadesoye(m): 2:45pm On Feb 25, 2022
This is a true and genuine leader.
My prayer goes with you and all the citizens of Ukraine.
You shall prevail.

Honestly speaking, war is never a good thing.
War turns your millions into useless papers that can't even buy your life.

May we never witness war in this country.

161 Likes 22 Shares

Re: Who Is Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Europe’s Most Vulnerable President? by chukwuibuipob: 2:50pm On Feb 25, 2022
sad May the hosts of heaven watch over the President and his pipu.God will not sleep

96 Likes 14 Shares

Re: Who Is Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Europe’s Most Vulnerable President? by Nobody: 2:51pm On Feb 25, 2022
chukwuibuipob:
sad May the hosts of heaven watch over the President and his pipu.God will not sleep

Amen

34 Likes 7 Shares

Re: Who Is Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Europe’s Most Vulnerable President? by Nobody: 2:52pm On Feb 25, 2022
I respect this man..
Fact that he's in the frontline alone is applaudable..

80 Likes 8 Shares

Re: Who Is Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Europe’s Most Vulnerable President? by tillaman(m): 2:56pm On Feb 25, 2022
sad
Re: Who Is Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Europe’s Most Vulnerable President? by Whazar(m): 2:58pm On Feb 25, 2022
This is an actor turned president oo but we all know a certain general that can’t tackle bandits

84 Likes 3 Shares

Re: Who Is Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Europe’s Most Vulnerable President? by joyandfaith: 4:09pm On Feb 25, 2022
He is a jew

7 Likes

Re: Who Is Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Europe’s Most Vulnerable President? by seunny4lif(m): 4:12pm On Feb 25, 2022
Hanks0000:
I respect this man..
Fact that he's in the frontline alone is applaudable..
Which frontline?
Those are pics of him when he visited FL fews ago with MSM
Go to YouTube and see the full video
STOP FAKE NEWS

21 Likes 2 Shares

Re: Who Is Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Europe’s Most Vulnerable President? by motionarena: 5:23pm On Feb 25, 2022
This is the man that can save Ukraine

36 Likes 5 Shares

Re: Who Is Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Europe’s Most Vulnerable President? by Mumusaphire: 5:24pm On Feb 25, 2022
Ok
Re: Who Is Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Europe’s Most Vulnerable President? by Stevenson20: 5:24pm On Feb 25, 2022
When having dealings with the West, one needs to be careful. Those people's selfish wisdom is like serpent's own.

They have finally pushed egungun to express. I pray Ukraine survives it

64 Likes 5 Shares

Re: Who Is Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Europe’s Most Vulnerable President? by Degea0: 5:24pm On Feb 25, 2022
Ok
Re: Who Is Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Europe’s Most Vulnerable President? by Golehasa: 5:24pm On Feb 25, 2022
Like for Zelenskyy
Share for Buhari

143 Likes 5 Shares

Re: Who Is Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Europe’s Most Vulnerable President? by dust144(m): 5:24pm On Feb 25, 2022
Strong man

2 Likes 1 Share

Re: Who Is Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Europe’s Most Vulnerable President? by Chibuzoc(m): 5:24pm On Feb 25, 2022
undecided
Re: Who Is Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Europe’s Most Vulnerable President? by NotNairalandi(m): 5:24pm On Feb 25, 2022
This is
Re: Who Is Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Europe’s Most Vulnerable President? by MyVILLAGEpeople(m): 5:24pm On Feb 25, 2022
This fool allowed the west to deceive him. He thought of being a cat, but he forgot there are bigger cats in the game.

30 Likes 4 Shares

Re: Who Is Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Europe’s Most Vulnerable President? by chaseblack(m): 5:25pm On Feb 25, 2022
The man wants peace and security for his people but unfortunately he is seeking peace from the wrong place, only the prince of peace can bring peace.

Haters won't see how this guy stabilized Ukraine but all they want is Russia's show off just because they hate America.

One thing is sure, even if Russia invades and kills everyone in Ukraine, their day of reckoning is near!

They have touched the Apple of His eyes and they go see shege soon, just wait!

11 Likes 2 Shares

Re: Who Is Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Europe’s Most Vulnerable President? by TheWolfen(m): 5:25pm On Feb 25, 2022
Hmm Russian pawns will be looking to capture the king in this chess game.
Perhaps the front line won't be the best position for him

3 Likes 4 Shares

Re: Who Is Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Europe’s Most Vulnerable President? by CTee1: 5:25pm On Feb 25, 2022
Volodymyr please bend the knee simple thing you no be john snow ni... If na Buhari... ma close mouth before them start to talk.

2 Likes

Re: Who Is Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Europe’s Most Vulnerable President? by DropsMic(m): 5:26pm On Feb 25, 2022
Yawn
Re: Who Is Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Europe’s Most Vulnerable President? by BabaIbo: 5:26pm On Feb 25, 2022
I somehow believe this man will humble Putin.

Time will tell sha.

6 Likes 1 Share

Re: Who Is Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Europe’s Most Vulnerable President? by GRACEGLORY: 5:26pm On Feb 25, 2022
Don’t mistake Volodymyr Zelenskyy slow responses for cowardice, or vulnerability. it’s wisdom.

Putin’s got phobia for NATO, hence, the threats at UKRAINE. Putin isn’t HITLER, Stalin, Ivan the Terrible, nor Nero. He isn’t a deity, he bleeds.

3 Likes 1 Share

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